Study: Sleepy workers make costly mistakes

Syracuse (WSYR-TV) -- A new study is a wake-up call about the toll sleep deprived workers take on the economy.

It seems insomnia costs a lot more than just a good night’s sleep.

A survey in “The Archives of General Psychiatry” links insomnia to a 40 percent rise in the risk of workplace accidents causing $500 or more in damage.

The authors estimate that insomnia is the cause of about seven percent of workplace accidents that cause financial loss – more than any other chronic condition.

They project the total loss to U.S. business is in the range of $31-billion per year.

The authors say their findings suggest that screening and treatment for insomnia to reduce workplace errors, accidents and injuries could have broad-based benefits.

Therefore, giving insomnia a rest would help us all sleep easier.