Why would an Injury Prevention Specialist be speaking to a worker about their sleep?

Written By Brad Robinson: Senior Onsite Injury Prevention Specialist – Bodycare Workplace Solutions 
 

It is estimated that 48% of Australian adults have at least two sleep related issues including poor sleep quality, short sleep (<6 hours), long sleep (>10 hours), and/or diagnosed sleep disorders such as insomnia or obstructive sleep apnoea (AIHW. 2021). 

In the occupational setting, workers with sleep issues are 1.62 times more likely to have a workplace injury (Uehli et al. 2014). Those in shift work are particularly vulnerable to sleep-related problems compared to those with regular hours. This is largely because shift work can disrupt critical physiological processes, including hormone regulation and chemical control. (AIHW. 2021).

These sleep disruptions can trigger a variety of negative health outcomes, including increased risk of comorbidities, poor concentration, delayed physical recovery, and exacerbation of musculoskeletal pain. For these reasons, a skilled onsite therapist engages with workers about their sleep as part of the holistic approach to managing musculoskeletal conditions and identifying any underlying issues that may need addressing.

Developing good sleep hygiene habits can go a long way to improving the quality of sleep an individual has. Some strategies to improve quality of sleep include:

• Developing a consistent sleep schedule and sleep routine.
• Restful sleep environment with black out curtains and cooler temperatures.
• Limit screen time in the 30 minutes prior to sleep
• Consider avoiding caffeine up to 6 hours before sleep.
• Relaxation techniques such as mindfulness or diaphragm breathing.

Understanding the interplay between sleep and its impact on physical and mental health is crucial to the effective management of peoples’ health, including their musculoskeletal conditions. As Injury Prevention Specialists we recognise the importance of sleep and make it a core part of our treatment and wellbeing strategies.

Don’t wait for injuries to happen – partner with us today to discover how we can protect your workforce and improve workplace safety.

References:

1. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2021). Sleep problems as a risk factor for chronic conditions. Canberra: AIHW. doi:10.25816/d2d7-p797
2. Uehli, K., Mehta, A. J., Miedinger, D., Hug, K., Schindler, C., Holsboer-Trachsler, E., Leuppi, J. D., & Künzli, N. (2014). Sleep problems and work injuries: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Sleep Medicine Reviews, 18(1), 61–73. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.smrv.2013.01.004