Police sleep disorders

The public expects police officers to perform flawlessly, but sleep disorders caused by their hectic schedules reduces their ability to think clearly, affects their personal health and increases the risk of motor vehicle crashes, which is a threat to public safety.

Boston’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School are conducting Operation Healthy Sleep, a nationwide survey on police sleep disorders that will lead to the development of a sleep detection and treatment program to reduce police officer fatigue and stress. Police officers across the country are being encouraged to participate in the study by completing a 15-minute online survey once a month for a year.

“This survey will further our understanding on the impact of fatigue and sleep disorders on police officers’ health,” according to lead researcher Dr. Charles Czeisler. The goal of the study is to improve the health, safety and performance of law enforcement officers and improve public safety.