The damage caused by employee sleep disorders

Given the detrimental impact sleep disorders can have on working and personal life, we need to ensure our employees have the support they need.

Less than a third of people suffering from a sleep disorder seek professional help. The reason for this may be because awareness is lacking. Here are a few facts that you could share with your employees to encourage them to seek help:

• Sleep problems affect a third to a half of all adults at some point.
• Sleep problems constitute problems getting to sleep, waking up early, or walking for prolonged periods during the night.
• Most sleep disorders are preventable or treatable. 

Here are some really useful resources to help your employees manage their sleeping habits and identify if they are suffering from a sleep disorder: 

• Understand what might be causing tiredness – this NHS article helps to explain the potential reasons for tiredness.
• Practice good sleep hygiene – for those suffering from tiredness (rather than a sleep disorder) this guide provides advice to help get a good night’s sleep.
• A list of sleep disorders – The Sleep Charity explains each of the sleep disorders, from narcolepsy to bruxism, and the common causes of each. 
• Know when to seek medical help – because there are so many causes of poor sleep, it can be difficult to know when to speak to a doctor. This checklist makes that decision easier.
• Useful FAQs – these frequently asked questions cover everything from how to cope with a child that won’t go to sleep, to what foods help induce sleep.