As seen on OccupationalHazards.com. 

Hectic work schedules and busy personal lives cause many people to occasionally – or regularly – sacrifice a good night’s sleep. But according to this sleep science expert, not getting enough rest can lead to some serious safety and health consequences in the workplace.

James Herdegen M.D., the medical director of the Sleep Science Center at the University of Illinois at Chicago, spoke to OccupationalHazards.com about how sleep deprivation is a problem more common than most people realize.

“Probably half of our population, perhaps even more, is not obtaining sufficient sleep on a daily basis,” he said.

According to Dr. Herdegen, “sufficient” sleep amounts to approximately 8 hours a day. Getting less than that can lead to impaired math skills, thought processes or memory, which can create serious hazards for workers operating forklifts, driving trucks or performing other at-risk duties.

In fact, Herdegen said, sleep-deprived workers may have had a role in major events such as several Amtrak train derailments, the Exxon Valdez oil spill and the Three Mile Island accident. Whether those events were influenced by sleep-deprived employees or not, workers performing their jobs on inadequate amounts of sleep can run a higher risk of being injured, making mistakes or otherwise compromising workplace safety.

For example, Herdegen pointed to clinical studies examining sleep deprivation among medical profesionals, such as emergency room residents who work at night and have a higher rate of motor vehicle accidents or near misses. Other effects might include improper documentation, prescribing medications incorrectly or giving incorrect verbal orders to nursing staff.

Click here to continue reading about the health risks associated with the lack of sleep, tips on getting better rest and the employer's role.