Sleep-deprivation is a serious issue that can affect the entire population of the world. If you are a business owner, it is important to acknowledge that sleep-deprivation is a real dilemma and that you can take steps to keep yourself and your employees safe. If you take necessary action, not only will your employees stay safe, but your business has a greater potential to thrive, resulting from better performance from your employees and greater profitability.
Poor Decision-Making
Lack of sleep impairs judgment, problem-solving, and strategic thinking. This can lead to:
- Costly business mistakes
- Missed opportunities
- Poor financial decisions
Increased Risk of Accidents
Sleep-deprived employees are more likely to:
- Be involved in workplace accidents or errors (especially in physical or high-risk jobs)
- Damage equipment
- Cause safety violations
This can lead to injury, legal liability, or increased insurance costs.
- Decreased Productivity
Fatigue slows down work output and increases error rates. Tired employees:
- Take longer to complete tasks
- Need more revisions
- Are less creative and less motivated
- Lower Morale and Higher Turnover
Chronic sleep deprivation leads to:
- Burnout
- Frustration and irritability
- Increased absenteeism and sick days
This erodes company culture and increases hiring/training costs.
- Cognitive and Communication Failures
Tired brains struggle with:
- Memory recall
- Concentration
- Listening and communication
This can cause miscommunications with clients, vendors, or within teams—hurting reputation and project outcomes.
- Poor Customer Experience
Fatigue can cause employees to:
- Be less attentive or helpful
- Provide inconsistent service
- Respond slower or inappropriately to customer needs
This negatively impacts customer satisfaction and retention.
Believe it or not, there are particular times of the day when drivers are most at risk. If you own a business that requires commercial vehicles and regular driving by your employees, take note of these times:
Early morning (2:00 AM – 6:00 AM)
- This is when the body is at its lowest alertness level.
- Core body temperature drops, and melatonin levels rise—strong biological cues for sleep.
- Common among shift workers, long-haul drivers, or people driving after a night of little or no sleep.
Mid-Afternoon (1:00 PM – 3:00 PM)
- Often referred to as the “afternoon slump.”
- Even well-rested individuals can feel naturally drowsy due to a second, smaller dip in circadian alertness.
- Risk is increased if a driver had a large meal or poor sleep the night before.
You can take a proactive approach to keep yourself and your employees safe:
- Enforce Rest and Work-Hour Policies
- Follow legal limits on driving hours (e.g. FMCSA rules for commercial drivers in the U.S.).
- Set realistic schedules that avoid driver fatigue.
- Require rest breaks and overnight rest for long hauls.
- Discourage driving late at night or in the early morning hours (2:00 AM – 6:00 AM)
- Educate on Fatigue Risks
- Provide training on:
- Signs of drowsiness
- Dangers of microsleeps
- Safe sleep habits and circadian rhythms
- Encourage Proper Sleep and Health
Promote wellness programs that include the following:
- Sleep hygiene education
- Healthy eating and hydration
- Stress and time management
- Use Technology and Monitoring
- Install driver fatigue monitoring systems or dashcams with AI detection.
- Use telematics to monitor:
Hours of service
Harsh braking or swerving (signs of drowsiness)
Set up automated alerts for extended driving time or late-night activity.
- Create a Safety-First Culture
- Make safety a core value, not just a compliance checkbox.
- Empower drivers to pull over if tired, without fear of punishment and report fatigue or unsafe conditions.
- Celebrate safety milestones and reward cautious behavior.
- Maintain Safe Vehicles
- Regularly inspect brakes, tires, and lights.
- Ensure vehicles have working air conditioning or heating, comfortable seating for long trips, and first-aid kits and emergency supplies.
- Avoid Incentives That Encourage Risky Driving
- Don’t tie bonuses strictly to delivery times or mileage that could pressure drivers to skip rest.
- Instead, reward safe driving records and incident-free months.
- Plan Smart Routes
- Use GPS and logistics in order to minimize drive time, avoid congested or dangerous roads, and include built-in rest stops.
The safety of yourself and your employees is of paramount importance to ensure the longevity and prosperity of your business. By taking these steps, you will be well on your way to having a successful business with employees that know that you care about them.