Having occupational sleep apnea, or even just not getting enough quality sleep, can make a significant impact on your day, from mood changes to daytime drowsiness. Better sleep is attainable, especially when you follow some basic tips for good sleep practices.
Occupational sleep apnea can cause health problems, job performance issues and safety hazards. According to sleep expert Michael J. Breus, PhD, studies show that people who get less than six to seven hours of sleep per night face an increased mortality rate, making sleep deprivation a greater mortality risk than even smoking, high blood pressure and heart disease are. Consistently missing out on sleep can cause serious health problems such as:
• High blood pressure
• Heart failure, heart attack or stroke
• Obesity
• Depression and other mood disorders
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) additionally states that chronic sleep deprivation can also weaken your immune system. In contrast, getting the proper amount of sleep can help your body fight off illness such as cancer and other diseases.
Occupational sleep apnea can quickly become a safety issue when you get behind the wheel or operate heavy machinery. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says that “drowsy driving” causes 100,000 accidents, 71,000 injuries and 1,550 deaths each year. And excessive drowsiness increases your risk of occupational injuries twofold.