By James Simons-
Sleep deprived workers face a higher risk of death, according to a new study released by the BBC.
It is also costing the UK economy £40bn a year, according to the study.
Research firm, Rand Europe, used data from 62,000 people to arrive at their conclusion. It based its conclusion on tired employees becoming less productive or absent from work Altogether, they cost the UK 1.86% of economic growth.
The impact was on health is the most significant, with those sleeping less than six hours a night 13% more likely to die than those sleeping between seven and nine hours.That makes grim reading and emphasises the importance of sleep which is often underestimated by many people.
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However, the impact of sleep deprived workers was better than both the U.S and Japan, both of which suffer more loses due to lack of sleep.
The U.S loses 1.2 million working days a year, costing $411bn (£328bn) or 2.28% of GDP, and
Japan loses 600,000 working days a year, costing $138bn or 2.92% of GDP due to sleep deprived workers, according to the report. Germany loses 200,000 working days a year, costing $60bn, or 1.56% of GDP due to sleep deprived workers.
Canada loses 80,000 working days a year, costing $21.4bn or 1.35% of GDP
According to the study, the “healthy daily sleep range” is between seven and nine hours per night.
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The report has called on employers to recognise and promote the importance of sleep, additionally advising them to build nap rooms to tackle sleep deprivation that affects sleep deprived workers. Also, the “extended use” of electronic devices after working hours should be discouraged according to the significant report.
A consistent waking up time every day combined with exercise in the day, has also been advised to boost the quality of their sleep. Marco Hafner, the main author and research leader at Rand Europe said:
“The effects from lack of proper resting are massive. Sleep deprivation not only influences an individual’s health and wellbeing but has a significant impact on a nation’s economy,”
Mr Hafner said small changes could make a big difference, saying if those in the UK currently sleeping under six hours a night increased this to between six and seven hours it would add £24bn to the UK’s economy.
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