Restful sleep supports the work ability and brain health of working-age people

Sleep disorders weaken the work ability and brain health of working-age people, but they can be identified, studied and treated effectively through occupational health.

Recovery starts with sleep

Busy days are taxing on the body and especially on the brain. The calendar is full, multitasking has become normal, and recovery feels like a performance. If the brain works overdrive all day, it does not quiet down at night. Sleeping becomes harder and sleep is superficial and fitful.

Without restful sleep, you feel tired in the morning and the brain does not fully recover from the previous day. This has a direct effect on your work ability and well-being.

Why is sleep essential for brain health?

As we sleep, the brain maintains itself in many ways. New connections are formed between neurons, and the brain organises information learned into compartments in your memory. Brain cells are renewed and unnecessary nerve connections are disconnected. This process is called brain plasticity. Inadequate sleep weakens our ability to learn, creativity, and problem-solving skills.

Sleep also gives the brain an opportunity to replenish its energy reserves. The brain needs massive amounts of energy. The brain uses glucose, i.e. sugar, as a source of energy. Glucose travels to our brain cells only as we sleep.

The brain also accumulates waste products that are removed during sleep. While we sleep, the brain’s liquid circulation intensifies and the brain rinses itself. During this “brainwashing”, the brain cleans itself of many harmful substances.

Poor sleep quality is reflected in working life

If you sleep too little or the sleep quality is poor, your brain does not recover properly. As a result, it becomes more difficult to concentrate, you may experience memory lapses, your decision-making process becomes slower, your mental load grows heavier and you become uptight, and, ultimately, your accident risk becomes higher.

Many are worried about their insomnia and its impact on health, which only contributes to their stress levels. This creates a vicious circle of insomnia, and getting out of it can be difficult without help. Prolonged insomnia affects the well-being of the entire work community.

Sleep disorders are common among working-age people – but they are treatable

Insomnia is increasingly common among the working-age population. It has been estimated that up to 12–15% of adult Finns suffer from persistent insomnia and every third Finn experiences occasional sleeping problems.

Sleep apnoea is also a common sleep disorder, in which breaks in breathing prevent the brain from recovering. In addition to snoring and fitful sleep, sleep apnoea causes brain fog, difficulty in concentrating, memory lapses and daytime fatigue. Especially in tasks that demand great precision, such as driving, a constant state of sleep deprivation can pose a significant risk of accident. People of all ages can suffer from sleep apnoea, but it is most common among 40–65-year-olds.

Both insomnia and sleep apnoea could be called modern public health problems. The good news is that there are effective ways to treat both problems and even difficult symptoms can be overcome.

Occupational health supports the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders

Pihlajalinna offers effective treatment solutions for insomnia and other sleep disorders. An occupational health physician assesses the situation from all angles and refers the customer for further examination or sleep training. An occupational psychologist supports sleep-related stress management and the customer’s motivation for change.

Sleep training is a non-drug treatment method for insomnia that is based on the Current Care Guidelines. The service is suitable for all adults battling with insomnia. Pihlajalinna offers training for both individuals and groups. Sleep training is also helpful for shift workers.

Nocturnal polysomnography can be performed to diagnose sleep apnoea or restless legs syndrome. Pihlajalinna offers nocturnal polysomnography without a referral, and the service can be included in the occupational health agreement.

CPAP treatment for sleep apnoea can be initiated quickly after diagnosis. CPAP treatment keeps the respiratory tracks open during sleep. A specialist provides guidance and helps the customer start using the equipment. Using the CPAP device becomes easier and more comfortable over time. CPAP treatment is usually extremely effective, resulting in a higher sleep quality and quantity, improved work and functional ability, and better life quality.

Veera Lange, Sleep Coach, Expert CBT-I Insomnia Therapist

Discuss sleeping problems with occupational health

Would you like to improve your employees’ recovery and work ability? Ask your occupational health team more about sleep training and nocturnal polysomnography.