Life-threatening sleep deprivation

Sleep problems are among the most common health complaints in Switzerland today. 30 % of employees are affected - and the trend is rising. This not only leads to exhaustion or even mental and physical illness, but also increases the risk of accidents. A new study by Suva shows that sleep problems are involved in one in five occupational accidents. This corresponds to around 53,000 occupational accidents per year in Switzerland. And: People who go through life tired are almost twice as likely to have an accident.

Sleepy people live safer

Sleep problems reduce recovery during the night and lead to daytime sleepiness. Daytime sleepiness, in turn, lowers work performance and increases the risk of an occupational accident. "Tripping and falling accidents or injuries with machines and tools are the most common," says Katrin Uehli, Suva's technical specialist. Particularly at risk are poor sleepers who are older than 30, sleep less than seven hours per night and work more than 50 hours per week.

Occupational accidents due to sleep problems lead not only to human suffering, but also to high costs. In Switzerland, an estimated 283 million Swiss francs are spent on this every year. Accidents due to sleep problems also occur during leisure time; these cause additional costs of 512 million Swiss francs.

Prevention module for companies

Because well-rested people live more safely, Suva has developed a prevention module for its insured companies. The elements of the module "Sleep well - live safer" can be combined as desired for a company campaign. A quiz on the topic of sleep, posters for display in the company, and practical sleep tips are available free of charge. The workshop on the module "Sleep well - live more safely" is held with a Suva expert and is aimed at all employees, including those without sleep problems. Participants will learn how important sleep is for safety and health. Sleep-promoting habits are discussed and measures are derived. For employees on shift or night duty, the module "Shift work - safe and healthy" is available. The topic of sleep is also covered there. More info: www.suva.ch/praeventionsmodule

Tips for a restful sleep

On the day

• Meals and bedtime should always be at the same time.
• Exercise: be physically active during the day.
• Spend at least 30 minutes outdoors every day.

In the evening

• Drink little or no alcohol.
• Avoid caffeine and nicotine.
• Have a light and warm meal.
• Relax and switch off before going to bed.

At night

• A quiet, dark and cool bedroom promotes sleep quality.
• Turn off computer, TV, cell phone and tablet one hour before bedtime.
• Set ritual for falling asleep and waking up.

(Suva)