Police officers ''deprived of sleep''
21/12/2011
It's well known that shift working can play havoc with people's sleep habits, but it seems that police officers may be worse off than most when it comes to getting a good night's rest.
Not only do they work sporadic hours, but they are also more prone to sleep disorders, research carried out at Brigham and Women's Hospital reveals.
Of those assessed, 34 per cent suffered from sleep apnoea - a common condition that leads to breathing being temporarily ceased throughout the night.
Furthermore, 6.5 per cent were found to have severe insomnia, which could have a significant impact on their ability to function on a day to day basis.
Findings published in the Journal of the American Medical Association show that police officers suffering from sleep disorders are more likely to breach safety rules due to their excessive tiredness.
Participants were surveyed over the course of two years, with 22 per cent of them reporting greater instances of uncontrolled anger as a result of sleeplessness.
In addition, 43 per cent admitted to making serious administrative errors and 63 per cent reported safety violations, with other outcomes including falling asleep at the wheel.
They are also inclined towards "having uncontrolled anger toward a citizen or suspect; incurring citizen complaints; having absenteeism; or falling asleep during meetings", the team found.
What many people may not realise is that the majority of these conditions can be treated, allowing officers to carry out their duties with the precision that is needed.
Dr Charles A Czeisler, chief of the division of sleep medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital, highlighted just how important it is to see a medical professional.
"Untreated sleep disorders can adversely affect the health and safety of law enforcement officers, and could pose a risk to the public," he commented.
Posted by Michael Ewing
