First Responders: Tackling Sleep Disorders & Mental Health
We rely on first responders to be on top form during emergencies of the highest severity. Firefighters, police officers, correctional officers, paramedics, and nurses all play crucial roles in saving lives and fighting through trauma. However, these life-saving professionals are only human and are as susceptible to sleep-related disorders as the rest of us. The unhealthy, long, and irregular shift patterns they endure can have detrimental effects on their lives.
The Importance of Sleep
Sleep is undeniably important for our healthy function. While the human body can last several days without food and water, it only takes 36 hours without sleep before our bodies begin to shut down. A lack of sleep can lead to a whole host of medical issues, including:
Heart disease
Diabetes
High blood pressure
Decreased immunity to cancer
Additionally, poor sleep quality can result in mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, conditions that commonly precede suicide.
Dangerous Livelihood
Those working in potentially life-threatening environments are often exposed to harmful fumes, chemicals, and dangerous scenarios. For first responders, one aspect of their professional lifestyle that is often overlooked is the access to a good night’s sleep.
Sleep Disorders Among Firefighters
A study by the Journal of Clinical Medicine found that nearly 40 percent of 7,000 firefighters tested suffered from insomnia, work-shift disorder, sleep apnea, or a combination thereof. Although most of these individuals were likely aware of their poor sleep, nearly 80 percent didn’t know that their lack of sleep had resulted in a medical disorder.
Post-9/11 Trauma and Suicide
The aftermath of the 9/11 tragedy is just one example of the grueling effects of trauma and the resulting increase in suicide rates among first responders. Nearly 20 percent of those present at the scene developed long-term posttraumatic stress, which may have heightened the likelihood of suicide ideation following the attacks.
In 2017, around 103 firefighters and 140 police officers in the U.S. tragically took their own lives. These figures far exceed the death tolls from incidents on the front line, and with suicide figures notoriously underreported, the actual numbers are likely much higher. With common exposure to gun crime, it’s unsurprising that 90 percent of police suicides are by firearm.
Shocking Statistics in Firefighter Suicides
Figures relating to suicide in firefighters are also incredibly shocking. A 2015 study showed that:
44 percent of full-time firefighters and over 50 percent of volunteer firefighters had experienced suicidal ideation
Nearly 17 percent and 31 percent, respectively, had made suicide plans
More than 15 percent and almost 27 percent, respectively, had made suicidal attempts
Killer Fatigue
Many emergency responders, including those in the police force and medical services, work between 16- and 24-hour shifts. Even when rest time is encouraged, it is likely that these individuals will be disrupted and called out at unsociable hours.
Fatigue Among Emergency Medical Service Workers
In 2015, a study referenced by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that around 50 percent of emergency medical service workers surveyed were suffering from fatigue. This inadequate state can lead to:
Fatal errors in medical operations
Poor driving quality
Slow reactions, which could lead to injuries or death
Cognitive Impairment from Sleep Deprivation
Having very little sleep can also impair judgment and memory retention, making even the most experienced workers likely to face difficulties in high-pressure and fatal scenarios. Prolonged periods of sleep deprivation result in cognitive impairment similar to having an over-the-limit blood alcohol level of 0.1 percent. With the increasing number of emergency calls, first responders continue to live under crushing amounts of pressure, leading to even less chance of quality sleep.
Addressing Sleep-Related Issues
Although most of us are aware of the importance of adequate sleep, situational or environmental issues can lead to sleep deprivation or disorders such as insomnia or sleep apnea. These medical inadequacies are particularly common among correctional officers.
Sleep Apnea Among Correctional Officers
Studies show that around 51 percent of correctional officers have undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnea. This condition can lead to:
High blood pressure
Heart attacks
Ulcers
Lower Life Expectancy
As a result, these workers have a much lower life expectancy—around 59 years compared to the national average of 75 years.
Mental Strain and PTSD
All of these job roles result in physical and mental strain on the body, even when functioning at an optimum sleep level. The knock-on effect of poor performance can lead to a multitude of mental health concerns. Many first responders are likely to be involved in events leading to PTSD, a condition that can increase the risk of suicide.
Supporting First Responders
By allowing and encouraging first responders to take naps, shortening their shifts if possible, and raising awareness of the importance of sleep for emergency service workers, we can benefit those at risk of sleep-deficit-related mental health issues and ensure public safety during emergencies.
