Police Officer Health Risk: Irregular Hours lead to lack of sleep

Irregular Hours

Police officers and other members of law enforcement don’t have the luxury of only working from 9 to 5. Over the years, working long, irregular hours certainly takes its toll. According to a professional study done by National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, police officers are four times more likely to sleep less than six hours during any given 24-hour period than the general population.

Mild sleep deprivation has severe short-term effects that nearly everyone has experienced. Symptoms such as decreased mental efficiency, slower reaction times, and inability to form lasting memories may seem innocent enough, but can lead to potentially fatal outcomes during the line of duty.

The long-term effects of irregular sleeping patterns are also incredibly detrimental. A study completed by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute concluded that long-term sleep deprivation can contribute to serious health issues such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and other cardiovascular issues. It has also been proven that irregular sleeping patterns lead to poor eating habits, which can result in obesity and obesity-related health issues.