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Sleep is something we all know we need, and the benefits of a good night’s rest are immediately noticeable. It’s foundational to nearly every system in the body, affecting both our mental and physical health. While we understand its importance, sleep is often the first thing sacrificed when other priorities take over. When work, busy schedules, stress, or other factors disrupt our ability to get enough rest, it can lead to a vicious cycle—working harder to make up for lost productivity, only to sacrifice more sleep in the process.

According to the Sleep Foundation, Americans are chronically sleep deprived, and the National Safety Council (NSC) reports that more than 43% of workers are affected by sleep deprivation. The Sleep Foundation defines sleep deprivation as not sleeping for an entire night or sleeping very little for one or more nights in a row. Additionally, 70 million Americans suffer from some form of sleep disorder. Insufficient sleep can lead to less energy, creativity, and focus. It also impacts cognitive abilities, physical reactions, and emotional responses. Over time, chronic sleep issues can lead to more serious health problems such as heart disease, anxiety, depression, and cognitive decline. Beyond physical and mental concerns, sleep deprivation poses a significant safety risk in some work environments. The NSC states that missing just two hours of sleep in one night can impair a person as much as drinking three alcoholic beverages. Furthermore, staying awake for over 20 hours can have the same effect as being legally intoxicated.

While the responsibility for getting enough sleep ultimately falls on the individual, employers can support employees in improving their sleep habits by incorporating sleep into the workplace wellness strategy. By helping employees navigate the everyday challenges that get in the way of healthy sleep, employers can make a difference in their sleep quality, well-being, and overall work experience.

Below are common barriers employees may face, along with suggestions for how to address them effectively.

Lack of knowledge: Although most employees recognize that sleep is essential, simply knowing this might not be enough to motivate them to prioritize it. Many might not fully understand why it matters for their health, how much they actually need, or what steps they can take to improve it. Educating employees about the health benefits of sleep, the risks associated with sleep deprivation, and practical ways to improve their sleep habits can be a helpful first step in supporting positive behavior change. Consider offering a variety of learning opportunities such as in-person sessions, virtual workshops, newsletters, emails, intranet posts, or internal social media channels to reach employees in methods that work best for them.  

Struggling to balance work, life, and rest: As mentioned earlier, nearly 45% of workers experience sleep deprivation. Balancing work responsibilities and home life can be challenging, and when there’s a need for more hours in the day, they often come at the expense of sleep. A survey by The McKinsey Health Institute (MHI) found that an employee's workload is a key factor in influencing the amount of sleep they get. Stress is another significant contributor, with Mental Health America reporting that one in five Americans lose sleep due to its effects. Employers can support employees by considering the following ideas:

• Implement consistent scheduling practices that include employee input whenever possible. Be mindful of total hours worked and allow adequate recovery time between shifts, knowing that irregular and night shifts are most impacted by sleep disruptions.
• Encourage open communication by maintaining regular check-ins between employees and managers. Create space to discuss how work may be impacting overall well-being, including sleep. Help employees seek additional support through EAP services or other employee benefits if needed.
• Remain flexible by meeting employees where they are and supporting their individual needs where possible. As Gallup highlights, some employees value a defined work life balance while others prefer a more blended work life integration. Understanding these preferences and allowing employees to work in ways that support their well-being, where their role permits, is essential. However, in many roles, disconnecting at the end of the day has become increasingly difficult and can have a negative impact on sleep. To address this, some organizations have introduced policies or cultural practices that discourage work-related activities such as emails outside of work hours to help employees fully recharge.

Difficulty maintaining energy during work: Nearly 20% of adults sleep less than five hours each night, and sleep loss affects 62% of night shift workers. Fatigue can make it harder to stay focused and productive at work, and it can also reduce energy levels throughout the day or shift. Employers can support employees in combating fatigue by offering the following options:

• Healthy food choices to provide balanced fuel and energy.
• Opportunities for physical activity, such as walking or stretching breaks, access to on-site fitness equipment or facilities, or encouraging use of nearby outdoor spaces to help boost energy.
• Quiet spaces for rest where employees can take breaks, recharge, or even take short naps when needed.

Sleep is influenced by many factors, and when thoughtfully integrated into a wellness initiative, addressing it in the workplace can empower employees to make positive changes toward more restful sleep and improved short-term and long-term health.

The month of May is Better Sleep Month. For more information on sleep and how it impacts mental health, check out the May Well Balanced toolkit.

Resources

May Well Balanced toolkit

Better Sleep Month (bettersleep.org)