Sleep plays an important role in the regeneration of the organism, supporting almost every system in the human body. The human body and mind rest during sleep, while biological processes contribute to recovery, as well as physical and mental fitness. Sleep is needed for the health of the cardiovascular system, immune system and human cognitive function. According to expers, adults between the ages of 18 and 64 should get 7 to 9 hours of sleep, and those over 64 should get 7 to 8 hours.   

What are the consequences of sleep deprivation?

There are short- and long-term health consequences caused by lack of sleep. Short-term consequences include:  

• concentration problems,  

• weakened memory,  

• aggravated mood,   

• reduced physical performance.  

Long-term effects include:  

• heart disease,  

• metabolic disorders,  

• weakened immunity,  

• memory problems.  

Long-term sleep deprivation affects mental health and difficulties in maintaining social relationships. 

Effects of sleep deprivation on workplace performance and professional relationships  

A sleep-deprived employee will work less productively, and his work will drop in quality. It will be easy to notice mistakes or problems with concentration. This employee will not make the right decisions and solve problems in a short period of time. Teamwork will also suffer from the negative effects of an employee’s sleep deprivation – he will have a reduced level of communication skills. People in managerial positions need to have developed social skills and competencies. Lack of sleep causes frustration and the desire to relieve tension on other employees. A study by Christopher Barnes of the University of Washington found that bosses who slept poorly were rated lower by employees, which had a direct impact on team engagement.   

Sleep deprivation and the economy 

The constant fatigue of workers affects the financial losses of employers in the United States, which are estimated at billions of dollars a year. Sleep problems affect active workers. In the United States, about 30% of workers sleep less than 6 hours a night. The problem of sleep deprivation among workers does not only impact the United States, but also the United Kingdom, Finland, or Sweden. The report “Sleep of Poles. Losses to the Economy. Edition 2024” compiled by UCE RESEARCH and the ePsycholodzy.pl platform reveals that out of more than a thousand Poles surveyed, as many as 41% are dissatisfied with their sleep quality. Those satisfied with the quality of their sleep account for 53.8% of those surveyed, while 5.2% have no opinion. Sleep problems are experienced by people of productive age, especially those aged 25 to 34.

The Polish economy may be losing as much as 8 billion zl a year. Experts have calculated that lack of sleep causes a 1% decrease in work efficiency, which affects employee absence or quality of work. Increased educational activities about sleep can contribute to solving this problem. The use of information campaigns to make the public aware of the ill effects on physical and mental health would be a move in the right direction. 

Increasing public awareness about the importance of sleep through educational campaigns could help. However, companies can also take proactive steps by investing in better management systems and employee support. Learn more about our Accounting Services and HR and Payroll Services to see how we can help you! 

Text based on: https://youniversity.be/blog/jak-sen-wplywa-na-prace-i-pracownikow/