If you wake up feeling tired, irritable, and just in a really bad mood, chances are you’re experiencing sleep deprivation. We’ve known about the individual consequences of sleep deprivation for some time (short term impacts on quality of life, and long term impacts which are potentially fatal), but new research is emerging which suggests that sleep deprivation could have some major impacts on society as well.In a recent study published in the Journal of Community Health, it was found that among working American adults, health and safety professionals (like police officers and doctors) were reporting the highest rates of insufficient sleep. Image Credit: ShutterstockThe researchers called their findings “disconcerting,” since the occupations affected were those “related to population health, well-being and safety.”And their concerns are not unwarranted. In a 2011 study from the Canadian Medical Association Journal, it was discovered that a surgeon operating on less than six hours of sleep could have much higher rates of surgical complications.This research has highlighted a very important point with some major ramifications; Sleep deprivation does not just affect you, but everyone you interact with.Your tiredness will make you dangerous while driving, your inability to concentrate will make it difficult to maintain a conversation, and your irritability will upset family, friends and colleagues. While it might be more apparent in health and security workers, the truth is that a lack of sleep won’t just make you tired and grumpy, but will affect the mood and safety of everyone around you.Sleep deprivation is not trivial or insignificant, but is just as important as any other medical concern. So just like you would with a pain, or a skin condition, you must talk to a medical professional.If you, or someone you know, has trouble sleeping, then please talk to your GP, and get in touch with us to find out how we may be able to help.Sleep Well – Live Well–Source: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2019/11/09/sleep-study-americans-sleep-deprived-doctors-healthcare-police/2543777001
This blog post is from Keystone Medical Media, a sub-entity of Keystone Content.
