Sleep Deprivation: A Workplace Hazard

Many people think of their “work lives” and “home lives” as separate areas that do not, or at least should not, intermingle. This is not an entirely accurate perspective, however. A stressful or unsafe work environment can create problems that follow workers home at the end of the day; similarly, personal or medical problems can cause workers to commit errors that endanger themselves and their co-workers.

One work hazard that did not receive much attention until recent years is sleep deprivation. Whether an employee is missing sleep to put in more hours at work, or is suffering from insomnia linked to work stressors, sleep deprivation can seriously interfere with productivity and safety. If you have been harmed in a workplace accident due to sleep loss or other factors, call the New Jersey workers’ compensation lawyers of Levinson Axelrod, P.A. today at 800-346-5529.

The Effects of Missed Sleep

Research has found that some employees are more vulnerable to sleep disturbances than others; groups considered “at risk” include people who work at night, people who must drive long distances for work, and people whose schedules frequently change dramatically. The consequences of going too long without deep sleep can include:

• Increased irritability and aggression
• Difficulty concentrating
• Frequent short-term memory loss
• Impaired emotional regulation
• Accidentally falling asleep on the job

It is not hard to see how problems like these can cause or contribute to major workplace accidents. If you have not been sleeping well lately, ask your doctor for tips that may help you fall asleep more easily. If your work conditions have caused you to suffer from sleep deprivation or other health problems, our New Jersey workers’ compensation attorneys can inform you about your options.

Contact Us

All workers who qualify for workers’ compensation should receive fair benefits following a workplace accident. If you are having difficulty protecting your rights while seeking fair compensation, contact the New Jersey workers’ compensation lawyers at Levinson Axelrod, P.A. at 800-346-5529.