In this fall issue of Spotlight on Safety, you will find information on topics including sleep deprivation, antibacterial products, and accident reporting. A listing of the newest safety policies, and the web page address for the Safety and Environmental Health Office are also provided. We all need sleep, but the truth is that most of us do not get enough.
People can actually survive longer without food than they can without sleep.
Surveys conducted by the National Sleep Foundation reveal that 60 percent of adults report having sleep problems a few nights a week or more. Sleep deprivation is not only unhealthy, it's unsafe. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that more than 200,000 crashes each year involve drivers falling asleep at the wheel, many of which are fatal. Sleep is also vital for giving your body a rest, your brain a chance to sort things out, and allowing you to prepare for the next day. It's like giving your body a mini-vacation.