Do you have Work-Related Insomnia?

Approximately 43% of all US workers are deprived of sleep, and according to the National Safety Council, the workplace is often the reason.  Stress on the job can lead to work-related insomnia, which can affect production as well as your overall health.

Work-related insomnia may be associated with many of the following concerns, including: 

• Increasing work demands and deadlines
• Having little control over decisions
• Feeling unsupported by your boss
• Compromising your beliefs or values
• Changes to work schedules
• Being assigned to an early or late shift
• Changing shifts frequently
• Traveling for work 

Common warning signs of insomnia may include: 

• Difficulty falling asleep
• Unable to stay asleep at night
• Waking up earlier than normal
• Feeling unrested or fatigued upon rising
• Experiencing sleepiness or tiredness throughout the day
• Finding it hard to concentrate
• Experiencing memory loss and “brain fog”
• Suffering depression, anxiety, or irritability
• Dwelling on the same or connected thoughts
• Becoming accident-prone or making more mistakes 

If any of these signs last for longer than four weeks or continuously interfere with your daily activities, seek medical attention. 

Dealing with your insomnia requires you to find ways to alleviate the work-related stress you’re experiencing. Consider solutions, such as: 

• Discussing work issues with your boss. You may need to ask for additional support, deadline extensions, or more autonomy.
• Considering how to better prioritize your schedule. Perhaps you need to ask a coworker for help or learn to delegate.
• Making a change, even if that means leaving your job.
• Practicing self-care by exercising, journaling, or finding better sleep habits. 

If you’ve been unable to sleep through the night, consider your work schedule, caffeine intake, and other factors that may be causing stress.

By Erin Gull

Courtesy of Axiom

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