Occupational Medicine & Health Affairs
Open Access

Abstract

For many of us, it is a hectic schedule 24/7. In our busy world, we try to cram so much, in that we constantly cut back on our sleep, is it at the expense of our health? Can we sustain the pace we��?ve set for ourselves? The evidences show a negative report to this. This workshop will deliver the most recent scientific research on the best way to optimize personal health, safety and performance while minimizing the consequences of fatigue as they relate to physically demanding jobs, shift work, overtime, extended hours or on-call practices. Key topics include an introduction to circadian rhythms, how light exposure affects fatigue, the effect of schedule design, and practical personal strategies to minimize fatigue and promote alertness. This session will benefit all workers, but especially shift workers. Research indicates that in the last 100 years, the majority of us have reduced our sleep from an average of 9 hours to less than 7 hours. Night shift workers average even less at 4-5 hours. Waking hours easily add up when shift length, overtime, commuting time, and time dedicated to social activities and errands are accounted for, and all at the expense of sleep. Sleep is how the body regenerates and repairs itself, both physically and mentally. In the short term, the effects of sleep debt lead to forgetfulness, impaired thinking, slowed reaction times, flawed logic and poor judgement. There will be more mistakes and injuries rise. From a physical perspective, we will become lethargic and will have reduced energy for family and friends, we suffer from heartburn, ulcers and indigestion, and we succumb more frequently to minor viruses like cold and flu. In the long term, the accumulation of fatigue has been linked to serious maladies such as specific cancers, diabetes, kidney scarring, and even Alzheimer��?s. There is also compelling evidence that sleep is the most important predictor of how long you will live due to the effect of sleep debt on the overall aging process. With the help of this presentation delegates will be able to: recognize the differences between fatigue, sleepiness and drowsiness; identify the primary causes of fatigue including those they are in control of and those they are not; assess their own work schedules for fatigue factors; understand the impact of sleep debt on overall health, safety, family and performance; understand the necessity of good sleep hygiene including both quality and quantity; evaluate their own sleep environment for optimal sleep efficiency; recognize the impact of sleep disorders; recognize the connection between fatigue impairment and alcohol impairment.

Biography

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