Falling asleep on the job is dangerous for everyone
Falling asleep at work is not as uncommon as some may think. According to a survey conducted by U.S. Harris Poll, 84% of American workers do not receive the recommended 8 hours of sleep every night. Furthermore, 21% of workers admitted to calling in sick to get extra sleep and 43% of them have caught their co-workers sleeping on the job. Lack of sleep can affect motivation and productivity. Aside from eating an energy-boosting breakfast and getting a good night’s rest, here are 5 ways to stay focused and avoid falling asleep on the job.
- CHANGE your position. Whether it is your posture or your work area, being in the same position for an extended period of time can make you tired. Change your position by:
- Sitting straight in your chair so your body is not slouching
- Reorganizing your workstation to trick your brain into thinking you are somewhere different
- Walking outside and getting a breath of fresh air and sunshine
- Standing up at your workstation if possible since you can’t fall asleep standing up
- MOVE around and take breaks to sustain your productivity and energy. Being active can keep you awake and motivated. Move around by:
- Chatting with co-workers and getting a good laugh
- Stretching your muscles to improve blood circulation and elevate your heartbeat
- Messaging yourself and adding pressure to the back of your neck, knees, and earlobes
- PLAN your schedule before you start anything. When you have many tasks on your plate and try to do them all at once, you end up not accomplishing any of them. Plan your schedule by:
- Setting goals so you know exactly what you are working toward. With no end goal, you might have a difficult time finding the motivation to accomplish the tasks
- Allotting a certain amount of time for each task
- Switching to another assignment if you find one is taking too long to complete
- EAT healthy during the day. Snacks such as almonds, bananas, and protein/granola bars can boost energy levels and help you stay focused. Eat healthy by:
- Drinking fruit-based drinks and water which can boost your energy level
- Eating a lighter lunch with more protein and fewer carbohydrates
- Snacking on colorful fruits, nuts, or granola/protein bars every 2-3 hours
- Chewing on peppermint gum or ice
- LISTEN to music. Music can make repetitive tasks easier and faster to do. However, do not listen to music when trying to interpret or analyze new information. Listening to upbeat music helps by:
- Releasing neurotransmitters that can improve your mood and help you gain energy
- Enhancing your performance and keeping you from dozing off in the middle of an assignment
- Making you nod your head or dance to keep you awake
Sleep deprivation affects American employees every day. Individuals lacking sleep should always remember to be safe. Driving while drowsy is dangerous for the employee and everyone else on the road.
For work-related emergencies, visit the nearest Nova Medical Center. Nova specializes in Occupational Health and provides instant, personalized care for employees who may have experienced any sleep-related injuries while on the job.
