The World Health Organization estimates that two thirds of adults in developed countries globally do not get the recommended seven to nine hours of sleep each night. We have benefited much from the 24/7 digital economy, which has created prosperity and jobs. The drawback is that we are constantly on the run.
In a connected society, we are always switched on. Because of our busy schedules, we get less sleep, and the sleep we do get is frequently disrupted or shortened. When it comes to seafarers, evidence shows that sleep matters to all people onboard. In that matter, ship operators must go above and beyond and take into account the ideal circumstances that will improve seafarers’ quality of sleep following a busy day.
Did you know?
- We naturally feel tired at two different times of the day: 2pm and 2 am
- We spend about 1/3 of our lives sleeping
- Working night shifts has about a 25-30% higher risk of injury than working day shifts
- Adults who sleep fewer than 6 hours a nigh have a 13% higher mortality risk than adults who sleep at least 7 hours
- Adults who sleep less than 7 hours a day are 30% more likely to be obese than those who sleep for 9 hours or more
6 Key actions to ensure good sleep onboard
Ship managers and owners need to take into consideration the following practical actions in their health and wellbeing strategy for people onboard:
#1 Identify the threats
Conduct a workplace assessment for good lighting and ventilation
#2 Raise awareness
Include training, information and guidance on sleep and recovery
#3 Ask for feedback
Ask people what will help them and adjust the conditions accordingly
#4 Provide support with external resources
Contact health care providers to identify and treat any underlying causes
#5 Adjust work and rest hours
Night workers are particularly at risk of fatigue because their day sleep is often lighter, shorter and more easily disturbed
#6 Encourage reporting
Review crew fatigue through sleep diaries
Keep in mind
Although the amount of sleep experienced by seafarers during a voyage may stay the same or decrease slightly, there is evidence that sleep quality becomes more disturbed over time as there are more wake bouts and fragmented sleep (MARTHA Project)
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