A recent study reveals that the sleep disorders such as insomnia, sleep apnea, change work disorder and restless leg syndrome are widespread among firefighters. In addition, the research carried out by the scientists at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH) described that due to the truth that firefighters are at higher risk of sleep problems, this might lead to illness and elevated chance of motor accidents.
The CDC signifies that about a quarter of People in America complain of the periodic sleeping disorder, while about 10 % of the U.S. population is affected by chronic insomnia. The scientists observed the existence of sleep problems as well as their related adverse safety and health final results in roughly 7,000 firefighters from 66 different fire departments over the U.S. The firefighters were examined for common sleep problems along with other health problems too. The participants were also requested regarding their probability of dropping off to sleep at the wheel, their participation in vehicle accidents, in addition to any injuries or close calls they’d while driving. Out of all of the firefighters participated in the study, 37% were identified as having a sleep disorder.
Laura K. Barger, Brigham and Women’s Hospital’s Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders associate physiologist said, “The findings of the study demonstrate the impact of common sleep problems on firemen safety and health, as well as their link with the 2 main reasons for dying among firefighters. Regrettably, greater than 80 % of firefighters who tested positive for any common sleep problem were undiagnosed and untreated.”
The research is published in the Clinical Sleep Medicine journal on 13th November. The study finds a connection between sleep disorders and certain health issues in firefighters, however, it botched to prove a cause-and-effect relationship.
Czeisler, chief BWH Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders said, “Firefighters with sleep disorders also had a higher prevalence of conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, depression and anxiety. Occupational sleep disorder screening programs can identify individuals who are vulnerable to adverse safety and health consequences, including those that are leading causes of death in firefighters. This study provides the rationale for further research evaluating the effectiveness of occupational sleep disorders management programs on disease risk, mental health and safety outcomes.”
