Due to their ever changing shift hours and overtime it isn’t any wonder that police officers have sleeping problems. Unfortunately not getting enough rest can lead to serious consequences when you are in an occupation where police chases and guns are involved. Of all the sleep disorders one of the most prevalent is sleep apnea, where sleeping is interrupted hundreds of times each night due to blockage of the air way in the back of your throat.
A study was done at Harvard where at least 40 percent of the officers had some sort of sleep disorder. And of that total number 33 percent had sleep apnea. Another result that isn’t surprising is that out of the group of officers who had sleep disorders had an increased chance of heart problems, diabetes or mental issues like depression.
How did it affect their work performance?
An astonishing 26 percent of those with sleep disorders said that they fell asleep at least once during the month while driving! That is pretty scary. Those with sleep problems also had administration errors as well as other work related problems.
This is just another example of how significant the effects of sleep disorders are today. I think that a lot of folks are just realizing the dangers of being tired and not rested. It causes a lapse of judgment, slower reflexes not to mention damage to your heart and your emotional state.
If you feel that you have a sleep disorders talk to your doctor about it.
Feel free to comment and please subscribe to my RSS Feed
Thanks
Sleep apnea results in daytime sleepiness, slow reflexes, poor concentration, and an increased risk of accidents. Sleep apnea can also lead to serious health problems over time, including diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and weight gain.
ReplyDeleteI have had many family members whom have serverd and continue to serve their community as honorable police men and women. I have the utmost respect for them. How true it is with the stress alone how their sleep habits are and can effect their sleep, however with sleep apnea that only adds to it.
ReplyDeleteI am a Nurse and used to work nights. I had much difficulty with a sleep pattern that worked for me. I began to fall asleep at work, driving, at the dinner table etc...The dr. thought I had sleep apnea but it wasn't until I became non responsive at the dinner table with my family thinking it was a normal episode until I would not respond at all. I ended up in Critical Care Unit for 3 days and my husband insited for them to check for apnea which he has asked for years. They finally listened I have severe apnea, obstructive,mixed,central w 42 apnea events at normal sleep and 72 at REM. I now have bi-pap. Sleep apnea is not an easy thing to live and do everyday activity.
Hi,
ReplyDeleteSleep apnea is becoming more and more of a problem today. And a serious problem at that.
I hope that the bipap works well for you and thanks for commenting
David