When it comes to choosing between sleep or enjoying a few more hours on the town, one more game on x-box or just one more episode of Netflix, sleep usually loses out. In fact, more than 40% of Australians are not getting enough sleep – according to the National Sleep Foundation. With the recommended dose varying between individuals, it seems many of us aren’t getting the recommended 7 – 9 hours of quality sleep.
While the negative impacts of sleep are well documented, the effects on our job are less so. Here we share massive impacts of a lack of sleep – all of which could potentially cost you your job.
Your chances of having an accident increase by 70%
Being at work without adequate sleep can increase your chance of having an accident by over 70%.Studies have shown that after 17 to 19 hours without sleep, performance was equivalent of a blood alcohol reading of0.05 percent. After longer periods without sleep, performance levels were the equivalent of having consumed 6 beers within a two-hour window! If you’re on a building site, behind the wheel of a truck, or operate any kind of dangerous machinery, poor reaction times caused by a lack of sleep could have very serious consequences for safety.
You are more likely to bark at your boss
Lack of sleep causes extreme irritability. The reason? Some experts say that a lack of sleep leads to increased amygdala activity. In plain English, that’s the part of the brain dealing with emotion, and without proper sleep you’ve wound it up.
Studies show that people who are sleep deprived report increases in negative moods such as anger, frustration, irritability making you more likely to fly off the handle at little things that you’d ordinarily shake off. While you may be forgiven around family or friends, short tempers at work are never a path to career success.
You’re more likely to make bad decisions
In any workplace you are literally making thousands of decisions every day. Sadly, if you’re not getting a good night’s sleep, you’re more likely to show poor judgment, be impulsive, and take chances you never would if you were wide eyed and alert. In short, the less you sleep, the more reckless you become.
In the office this could mean anything from signing a bad deal, developing poorly considered plans or sharing the wrong information with the wrong people – all of which you’ll be cleaning up at some point or another. If you are on the tools risk-taking often leads to poorly executed work, accidents and injuries.
Productivity plummets
If you are walking around like a zombie with your eyeballs hanging out, it is pretty obvious you’ll be unproductive. While you may get away with it for a day or two, over time it will start to add up as deadlines are missed and you let the team down.
Further, adults who are sleep-deprived have more difficulty learning. In short, without a good snooze, you may look like you’re unable to pick up the skills and tools needed to deliver – which is not a good way to impress you team or bosses.
Summary
•Statistics show a lack of sleep put you at high risk of accident or injury.
•You are more likely to be irritable which could put colleagues and bosses offside.
•Lack of sleep can lead to recklessness and poor decisions.
•Not getting enough shut eye can make you slow and unproductive.
•Sleep-deprived employees find it harder to learn and retain new information.
While you may think a few more hours on social media late at night won’t matter, statistics shows it matters far more than you may think. In fact, it can endanger yourself, your workmates and make you seem less than competent. Conversely, a great night sleep will have you waking up feeling refreshed, energetic and positive – ensuring you are operating at your peak performance and setting yourself up for career success.
If you are open to new opportunities, contact a recruitment agency like Trojan Recruitment Group and receive advice from the experts in labour-hire, permanent and contract staff.
Sources
https://www.businessinsider.com/sleep-deprivation-effects-on-your-body-brain-2018-8