Wide Awake at Work: Why Sleep Is Essential to Health and Performance

When was the last time you woke up truly rested?  

While most workplace wellness conversations focus on diet and exercise, a good night's sleep is just as critical to performance, safety and well-being. 

As Cone Health sleep medicine specialist Pallavi Reddy, MD, with Cone Health LeBauer Pulmonary Care at Burlington shared in a 2 Your Well-Being conversation with WFMY, sleep is more than “downtime.” Quality sleep supports the brain, mood, metabolism and immune system. 

When employees consistently miss out on sleep, the effects show up in slower reaction times, foggy decision-making and short tempers. 

The Real Cost of Fatigue on the Job 

The problem is widespread. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports about one-third of U.S. adults get too little sleep. 

• On-the-job consequences. From factory floors to delivery routes to offices, poorly rested employees have slower reaction times and make more mistakes. This leads to missed deadlines, safety incidents and strained teams. 

• A ripple effect. Widespread fatigue drains billions of dollars in lost work productivity and drives up long-term healthcare costs.  

• Chronic health risks. Sleep deprivation raises the risk of serious health conditions, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes and depression. 

Small Changes, Better Rest 

According to Dr. Reddy, a few simple habits go a long way: 

• Protect the wind-down window. Encourage employees to power down screens at least an hour before bed. 

• Get morning light early. Sunlight in the first hour of the day helps reset the body's internal clock. 

• Watch the caffeine cutoff. Afternoon coffee can quietly sabotage a good night's sleep. 

Employers can help by prioritizing recovery, not just short breaks. A workplace culture that values rest as productive helps employees show up sharper and safer. 

When Rest Isn't Enough 

Still waking up exhausted? Persistent insomnia, loud snoring or daytime drowsiness can signal an underlying sleep disorder. 

Cone Health's sleep disorder specialists can help identify the cause and get you back to feeling and doing your best. 

To inquire about partnering with Cone Health Employer Health & Wellness Solutions, contact Jacqueline Heyward at (336) 586-3972.