Fatigue
National Safety Month 2019: Week 3
We’ve all heard that adults should get seven to nine hours of sleep a day. Missing out on good sleep can negatively affect your productivity, cognitive performance, vigilance, accuracy and judgment. Further, chronic sleep deprivation can lead to serious health issues, including depression, obesity and heart disease, among others.
Also: Lack of good sleep can affect your driving ability. “Driving while fatigued can be similar to driving under the influence of alcohol. Driving on four to five hours of sleep means you are four times more likely to crash,” according to the National Safety Council.
Tips to combat fatigue
Make sure your sleep is A.C.E.S. by following these tips:
Alcohol: Alcohol can interrupt your body’s circadian rhythm, resulting in poor-quality sleep. It may also make you more likely to snore or experience sleep apnea. Avoid it before bedtime.
Caffeine: Caffeine is a stimulant, so it’s best to stop drinking it as early as six hours before going to sleep.
Environmental: Keep your bedroom cool and dark for ideal sleeping conditions.
Screens: Turn off TVs, phones, tablets and other electronic devices at least 30 minutes before bedtime. These devices can prevent your body from producing melatonin, the hormone that helps people fall asleep.