The New York Times reported on a recent study that looked at sleep disorders and their effect on firefighters.
According to the Times, the study, published in The Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, involved a nationally representative sample of 7,000 firefighters in 66 fire departments for obstructive sleep disorder, insomnia, restless leg syndrome and shift work disorder. Researchers interviewed the subjects and documented traffic accidents using police reports and detailed descriptions from subjects.
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Researchers found that, compared with sound sleepers, those with a sleep disorder were about twice as likely to have a motor vehicle crash, to nod off while driving, and to have cardiovascular disease or diabetes. They were more than three times as likely to suffer from depression and anxiety, the Times said.
Another recent study involving firefighter health and wellness found that members of the fire service may be at a higher risk for cardiovascular disease than other emergency responders.
Read more HERE.
