5 reasons why your employees can't sleep (and solutions)

Getting enough sleep can be challenging in today's fast-paced and connected world.

Work deadlines, long hours or prolonged times of stress can amplify sleep deprivation.

Seven to nine hours of sleep per night is recommended for adults. Yet almost 50% of Australians experience  sleep conditions that keep them awake.

For many people, poor sleep may be short-term. For others, it may become recurring or chronic (lasting three months or more).

Over a prolonged period, sleep disorders may impact work relationships or productivity. Broader implications may also result in increased sick leave and health and safety risks.

In comparison, adequate restful sleep can help boost  creativity and spark innovation. As a result, this may lead to innovative ideas, collaboration, and improved outcomes in the workplace.  

That is why it makes good business sense to understand the potential causes of poor sleep and how to provide appropriate support. 

Let's explore five very different reasons your employees may be awake at night. 

1. Parenting and pregnancy

Parenting and pregnancy can be synonymous with poor sleep.

Pregnancy may result in night waking due to waking up in the night or feeling uncomfortable.

Parents returning to work after parental leave may also experience disrupted sleep. Getting a child to settle and fall asleep is one of the most raised concerns of parents.

2. Menopause

A 2021  study  found 83% of women experiencing menopause were affected at work. Sleep disruptions can be a symptom associated with menopause. 

During perimenopause and menopause, women may have trouble falling or problems staying asleep. "This can be due to a range of reasons including hormonal changes or night sweats and anxiety," says O'Connor.   

Thea O'Connor is a workplace wellness advisor and TEDx speaker who helps organisations become menopause-friendly. Thea recommends that workplaces have menopause-friendly policies, education, and training for all staff. Options that support sleep deprived staff include reasonable adjustments for fatigue, flexible work, or the ability to power nap. 

3. Mental wellbeing

Sleep quality and  stress can be interlinked. Our bodies' cortisol and adrenaline levels increase during prolonged stress. Chronic elevation of these hormones can make falling or staying asleep difficult. This cycle can create a vicious cycle with poor sleep increasing stress and anxiety.

Stress can be due to many reasons. Areas to be aware of in the workplace include high job demands, new roles or conflict.

4. Sleep disorders

 More than half of adult Australians are suffering from at least one chronic sleep symptom that is affecting their ability to live a healthy, happy life.  Common sleep conditions include sleep apnoea, insomnia, or restless leg syndrome. Sleep disorders can lead to daytime sleepiness, fatigue, or poor concentration.

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare Report (AIWH), 2021 study, found that “women are more likely than men to report short sleep, poor sleep quality, and daytime symptoms associated with poor sleep.” The report also found that insomnia is up to 1.4 times more common in women than men.

5. Sleep poor and time poor

Does our workday allow for enough time for rest? Twenty-three per cent of adults reported in the AIWH study that their workday routine does not allow time for sufficient sleep. 

Reasons cited for not getting enough sleep include working until an hour before bed. 

Sleep solutions

Addressing the underlying causes of poor sleep and implementing workplace strategies is crucial. Workplaces can consider the following options:

• Hybrid or remote working options. Time-saved commuting may help employees get extra sleep in the morning or switch off at night. 
  
• Flexible work hours. Leaders and employees can find joint solutions to optimise productivity.
  
• Resources linking to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), health fund or GP (General Practitioner) for sleep study testing
  
• Workplace education on sleep hygiene strategies
  
• Mental health programs, including meditation or mindfulness 
  
• Workplace wellbeing programs that include exercise, nutrition, and mental health
  
• Digital policies with recommendations on reducing screen time before bedtime
  
• Sleep resources and support for parents.
  

Employees will spend approximately one-third of their life asleep and even more at work. Creating a company led approach to sleep can help establish a culture where employees and employers thrive. 

What next?

If you would like to learn more about sleep or designing a corporate wellbeing strategy, please get in touch with corporate@medibank.com.au.