The impact of sleep deprivation
According to a study by RAND Europe, sleep deprivation amongst employees is costing the UK’s economy up to £40 billion a year. The researchers found that lack of sleep leads to a higher mortality risk and lower levels of productivity throughout the workforce.
The study titled ‘Why Sleep Matters – The Economic Costs of Insufficient Sleep’, revealed that the UK loses over 200,000 working days each year due to sleep deprivation. This occurs through absenteeism levels, presenteeism issues and a lack of motivation.
Marco Hafner, a research leader at RAND Europe and the report’s main author, commented: “Our study shows that the effects from a lack of sleep are massive. Sleep deprivation not only influences an individual’s health and wellbeing but has a significant impact on a nation’s economy, with lower productivity levels and a higher mortality risk among workers.”
“Improving individual sleep habits and duration has huge implications, with our research showing that simple changes can make a big difference. For example, if those who sleep under six hours a night increase their sleep to between six and seven hours a night, this could add £24 billion to the UK economy.”
Sleep deprivation amongst employees is costing the UK’s economy up to £40 billion a year
Around the world
RAND Europe’s research found that:
Canada appeared to be the nation with the best sleep outcomes, but still has significant financial and productivity losses ($21.4 billion, with around 80,000 working days being lost overall).
The solution
Sleep deprivation has the potential to significantly impact productivity and it appears that’s why companies such as Google, PwC and Uber have dedicated napping rooms - or as we like to call them - napping pods.
So what needs to be done to get the most of your nap? The National Sleep Foundation suggests:
That’s all from us at Perkbox but it seems to us that this almost proves a need for napping pods in offices. As if you needed any more convincing to get that extra 20 minutes of shut eye, we certainly don't!
Photo credit: MetroNaps
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