Sleep Deprivation's Impact on First Responders
There are over 2 million first responders in the United States, including 1.16 million firefighters, 900,000 law enforcement officers, and 248,000 emergency medical technicians. These heroic workers are the first on the scene for emergencies ranging from fires and explosions to traffic accidents. Their jobs are both emotionally and physically demanding. Because their work is characterized by long, erratic shifts and the need to work both day and night, sleep deprivation has become an ongoing health challenge. COVID-19 exposure has added an additional source of stress to an already stressful job. New protocols for health and safety, including frequent sanitization of equipment and wearing full protective PPE, have become necessary additions to time-sensitive and life-saving processes and procedures.
Additionally, COIVD-19 has also added to the overall number of emergency calls. In fact, the National Fire Protection Association projects 36 million EMS calls in 2020, an 80 percent increase over the 2010 statistic of 20 million calls. This increase in demand has created a significant rise in sleep-deprived first responders and appropriate fatigue management and sleep disorder testing.
Numerous research studies have confirmed that sleeping less than 7 hours a night consistently can lead to poor health outcomes, including diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity. But in the case of first responders, this lack of sleep is not only an individual health problem; it is also a public health concern. A Harvard Medical School study looked at the risk of driver fatigue and occupational injury on hospital interns scheduled to work for 24 consecutive hours. They found their odds of stabbing themselves with a needle or scalpel increased 61%. Their risk of crashing a motor vehicle increased by 168% and their risk of a near automotive miss increased 460%.
The first step in addressing the effects of sleep deprivation is a referral to a sleep specialist who understands the wide range of sleep conditions and their treatment options. But the sleep healthcare system has proven to be fragmented, involving multiple sleep specialists. They are neither aligned nor coordinated in their care efforts. A referral to BetterNight offers first responders a quick and flexible way to screen, diagnose, and treat their sleep condition. In a study of nearly 7,000 firefighters, it was discovered that 37% screened positive for a sleep disorder with obstructive sleep apnea being the most common disorder with a 28% positivity rate.
BetterNight is a fully integrated, telehealth sleep solution that works seamlessly with your primary care provider. As a virtual telehealth solution, BetterNight offers a sleep health assessment that will identify risk for a variety of sleep health conditions, all in the comfort of your home or workplace. Once your condition is determined, BetterNight will connect you with a board-certified sleep physician to meet virtually on any mobile, tablet, or laptop device. If a sleep test is recommended, BetterNight will send you the device and share the data with your doctor allowing for a collaborative approach to treatment. If you are diagnosed with sleep apnea, BetterNight will send you the needed therapy device. A highly trained sleep specialist will monitor your treatment and help you on your journey to better sleep and health.
At BetterNight, we want all of our first responders to reap the benefits of consistently restful sleep to achieve optimal health and wellness levels. We are here as your sleep health partners so that you can continue your selfless dedication to those you serve.