You’ve probably heard that insufficient sleep is linked to several physical health issues like obesity and diabetes — but did you know that poor sleep also increases your risk of suffering a personal injury at work?
According to a study published on WebMD, researchers reviewed 27 studies involving more than 268,000 working adults. By cross-referencing questionnaires and patient records, they found that:
- Workers with sleep difficulties were approximately 60% more likely to experience a workplace injury compared to those who got adequate rest.
- Individuals with sleep apnea or those who took sleep medications had the highest risk of workplace injury.
- Surprisingly, people with labor-intensive jobs—such as construction or industrial work—had a slightly lower rate of sleep-related injuries compared to the average workforce.
- Researchers estimated that 13 out of every 100 work injuries could be linked to poor sleep.
The researchers concluded there is a strong correlation between sleep disorders and an increased likelihood of workplace injuries. They also noted that their data did not include driving-related work injuries — a category that can be complicated when determining eligibility for workers’ compensation benefits. Including those cases could raise the rate of sleep-related work injuries even higher.
Workers’ Compensation and Sleep Disorders
Individuals diagnosed with sleep apnea or other sleep disorders may qualify as disabled under the Minnesota Human Rights Act. Sleep is considered a major life activity, and chronic sleep impairment can significantly affect your ability to work safely and effectively.
Under Minnesota law, workers with recognized sleep disorders may be entitled to additional workplace protections and, in the event of an accident, specific workers’ compensation benefits. If you suspect you have a sleep disorder, it’s important to consult a medical professional and document your diagnosis.
If you have questions about how your sleep disorder could impact your workers’ compensation case, call or text the workers’ comp attorneys at 612-INJURED at (612) 465-8733 for a free consultation. We’ll review your situation, explain your rights, and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.