“Getting a good night’s sleep” is a common phrase we’ve all used. But what if getting better sleep is more than an overused phrase we say when we’ve had an incredibly long day or are dealing with exhausted children?
Improved sleep is vital for everyone. According to research from Harmony Healthcare, nine out of ten people struggle to fall asleep at night. Chronic sleep deprivation is linked to the worsening of dementia, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity and even cancers of the breast, colon, ovaries and prostate. Plus, Sleep Apnea is under-diagnosed and under-treated at an alarming rate.
It’s no secret that a lack of sleep affects productivity and performance in the workplace. According to the National Safety Council, a company with 1,000 employees can lose up to $1 million annually to employee fatigue resulting from poor sleep.
So, how can employers help remedy their employees’ lack of sleep to boost productivity and improve their health overall?
Enter: Sleep Wellness Programs
Sleep programs could be your organization’s best wellness initiative yet. As we’ve touched on, poor sleep is not just a nuisance. It’s a significant contributor to chronic diseases and mental health disorders. The results of inadequate sleep aren’t just personal. They extend to the workplace, leading to absenteeism, decreased productivity, and even workplace accidents, depending on your industry. Not to mention the significant cost impact on employer health plans.
Sleep programs are an innovative solution many organizations offer employees as part of their employee benefits package. These programs address sleep health proactively, allowing employers to make a profound impact on their employees’ lives and the overall success of their organization.
Here’s how:
- Detection and Diagnosis: Sleep disorders often go unnoticed, and employees may not even be aware of their condition. A sleep program includes regular screenings and assessments to identify individuals at risk. From there, employees can be directed to seek proper diagnosis and treatment.
- Education and Awareness: Many people underestimate the importance of sleep or lack knowledge about sleep hygiene. A comprehensive sleep program educates employees about the significance of quality sleep, the impact of sleep disorders and access to a library of sleep education and relaxation modules.
- Treatment and Support: Access to treatment is crucial for those diagnosed with sleep disorders like Sleep Apnea. Sleep programs connect employees with resources for treatment, whether it’s through healthcare providers, sleep clinics, or telemedicine. At Totem, we recommend programs that virtually evaluate and treat sleep disorders through a telehealth platform, as your employees are more likely to receive the personalized care they deserve while saving time and money. Plus, our programs use the best providers in the country, ensuring members receive appropriate and cost-effective treatment with an awesome patient experience.
Healthy sleep allows the mind and body to rest, and recover, leading to benefits including:
- Sharpened memory and focus
- Improved performance at work or school
- Reduced risk for mental and physical health disorders and issues
- Helps control weight
- Strengthened immunity
- Reduced risk for accidents and incidents
Organizations that invest in sleep programs report higher employee satisfaction, lower healthcare costs and improved productivity. Employees are more engaged, less prone to burnout, and better equipped to perform at their best.
Totem’s sleep program partner, SleepCharge by Nox Health, notes the significant impact prioritizing sleep health has on healthcare costs, with sleep program participants seeing up to a 44.2% decrease in health costs for members with a Diabetes, Hypertension and/or Hyperlipidemia diagnosis.
A sleep program isn’t just another checkbox on the list of employee benefits — it’s a true game-changer for your employees. By addressing the root cause of so many health and productivity issues, employers can make a lasting impact on the well-being of their workforce and the success of their organization.
So, could a sleep program be your best wellness initiative? The answer lies in recognizing the transformative power of sleep and taking proactive steps to prioritize it within your organization. The result? A happier, healthier, and more productive workforce poised for success in every aspect of life.
Connect with Totem today for more information on introducing a Sleep Wellness Program into your employee benefits plan.
