Alarming decline in sleep quality in the past year increasing the risk of injury
09/12/2023
Lack of sleep deprives us of much needed rest making it much more difficult to recover from any physical or psychological injury.
Sleep is an essential part of feeling happy and well. Almost everyone experiences sleep problems at some point in their life.
Busy lifestyles have meant that many of us have learned to live with the side effects of sleep deprivation but there’s a difference between the amount of sleep you can get by on and the amount of sleep that you need to function optimally and safely.
Sleep disruption is common especially during times when people feel emotionally overwhelmed. Heightened emotions and replaying the day’s events may significantly interfere with sleep.
Adequate rest is essential to successfully recover from injury. Sleep is the only part of the day when a body can heal itself both physically and mentally. Many different chemical and physiological reactions occur while sleeping, but some of the most important ones are the balancing of the hormones related to tissue growth and repair, stress control, appetite and weight management.
According to survey results released by healthcare charity Nuffield Health at the end of 2022, a significantly increasing number of adults report poorer quality sleep compared with statistics obtained a year ago. The study revealed soaring numbers suffering from insomnia.
Insomnia can take on many forms. The NHS define insomnia as regularly experiencing any of the following symptoms:
- find it hard to go to sleep
- wake up several times during the night
- lie awake at night
- wake up early and can’t go back to sleep
- still feel tired after waking up
- find it hard to nap during the day despite feeling tired
- feel tired and irritable during the day
- find it difficult to concentrate during the day because of fatigue
The new research is the latest set of results to be released from Nuffield’s 2022 Healthier Nation Index (HNI), based on a nationally representative online survey conducted by Censuswide of 8000 adults aged 16+ across the UK questioned between February 14-28 2022 and released at the end of the year.
The HNI survey results showed:
- 74% of UK adults reported a decline in quality sleep over the past 12 months
- Young adults aged 35-44 got the least sleep, with almost 50% only getting 5-6 hours per night and only 33% getting the recommended 7-8 hours
- 1 in 10 people were getting only 2-4 hours of sleep per night.
- Over half of respondents didn’t believe quality sleep builds immunity
- Fewer people with household incomes of £15,000 or less got the recommended 7-8 hours of sleep per night than those on incomes over £75,000
The HNI survey findings were released to coincide with 'Sleeptember', an annual awareness campaign by The Sleep Charity, which focuses on promoting better sleep quality.
The Sleep Charity pointed out that just one bad night's sleep can affect mood, concentration and alertness, while a good night’s sleep can help to fight minor ailments, promote healing and recovery from injury, deal better with depression and tackle weight problems.
Poor Sleep Linked with Accidents
Additional research cited by the charity added to the alarming findings, that included: 1 in 4 people have experienced insomnia since the pandemic, and that internet searches for 'insomnia' have soared, with most made in the early hours, peaking around 3 am. Chronically disrupted sleep increases the risk of work absence by 171% and sleep deprivation is believed to cost the UK economy £37 billion a year in lost productivity.
According to Nuffield Health, poor sleepers have reduced reaction times and trouble concentrating, with an increased likelihood of accidents or making costly mistakes.
A spokesperson for The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) confirmed that research shows that driver fatigue may be a contributory factor in up to 20% of road accidents, and up to one quarter of fatal and serious accidents. These types of crashes are about 50% more likely to result in death or serious injury as they tend to be high-speed impacts because a driver who has fallen asleep cannot brake or swerve to avoid or reduce the impact.
Sleep Deprivation 'Shouldn’t be Ignored'
According to Dr. Karen McDonnell, head of RoSPA Scotland: 'The impact of sleep deprivation shouldn't be ignored. Not only does it prohibit Britain's workers from performing well in their day-to-day tasks and responsibilities, but the impact of a bad night's sleep can result in dangerous driving, slips and trips in addition to negative consequences on our well-being and mental health.'
Adrian Zacher, CEO of the British Society of the British Society of Pharmacy Sleep Services (BSPSS), a charitable incorporated organisation, states: "Sleep disorders are now at pandemic levels, as this latest, nationally representative research from Nuffield Health clearly illustrates”.
Sleep deprivation often results in ‘Presenteeism' (physically at work but far from being productive) and manifests as literally falling asleep in meetings, missing meetings or deadlines, poor quality work, falling asleep while driving and all cost the employer and employee dearly.
Early Intervention is Key
According to Lisa Artis, deputy CEO of The Sleep Charity: "Chronic sleep deprivation has been linked to a number of serious physical and mental health issues including heart disease, stroke, obesity, high blood pressure, depression and Alzheimer's. Ultimately this can shorten life expectancy. Not only is there a health impact but lack of sleep has a significant effect on relationships, work and social life. A good night’s sleep is clearly essential for a long and healthy life.
Lisa adds that "Early intervention is key when it comes to supporting and helping people with sleep difficulties. Sleep is so fundamental to everything we do, yet most of us are unaware of the dangers of lack of sleep”.
The Sleep Charity strongly advise anyone who is struggling with sleep to contact their GP or call their National Sleep Helpline on 03303 530 541.
Rehabilitation Case Managers in the Zurich Rehabilitation Team (ZRT) acknowledge the importance of addressing insomnia from the outset. It is assumed that the index event has impacted the sleep of every individual that is referred to us. Specific screening questions are therefore embedded in the triage assessment around the quality of the sleep the injured party (IP) is achieving post trauma, compared to their sleep pattern pre-injury. Most individuals acknowledge some impact and it is exceptionally rare that the sleep pattern has not been disrupted. Ultimately, understanding the impact of the event on the sleep pattern, will influence the success of their rehabilitation. If sleep deprivation is not addressed and the injured party does not access appropriate support to regain a healthy sleep pattern, the healing process is thwarted and pain levels become unmanageable, leading to a more prolonged period of rehabilitation. Addressing insomnia promptly by putting interventions in place to support the injured party to return to a healthy sleep pattern, increases the likelihood of an uncomplicated recovery, a safe return to work on pre-injury duties and a successful outcome in rehabilitation.
