Sleep-deprived employees are costing the UK economy close to £40bn a year, says a new study.
Research by Rand Europe, which used data from 62,000 people around the world, found that the loss equated to 1.86% of economic growth.
It is estimated that the UK loses 200,000 working days a year from tired employees being less productive at work or absent from work altogether.
Marco Hafner, the main author of the study said: “The effects from a lack of sleep are massive. Sleep deprivation not only influences an individual’s health and wellbeing but has a significant impact on a nation’s economy.”
The report laid out a number of recommendations for employees, employers and public authorities:
• Individuals could: Set consistent wake-up times; limit the use of electronic items before bedtime; and exercise.
• Employers could: Recognise the importance of sleep and the employer’s role in its promotion; design and build brighter workspaces; combat workplace psychosocial risks; and discourage the extended use of electronic devices.
• Public authorities could: Support health professionals in providing sleep-related help; encourage employers to pay attention to sleep issues; and introduce later school starting times.