April 28 is World Day for Safety and Health at Work — and It's Time We Talk About Sleep April 28, 2025 Each year on April 28, World Day for Safety and Health at Work reminds us that true safety isn’t just about helmets and hazard signs. It’s also about taking care of your overall health. And one major factor that often gets overlooked? Getting enough good-quality sleep. Adults need 7–9 hours of quality sleep each night.1 But with busy schedules, shift work, and daily stress, many Australians aren’t getting the rest they need. Without enough restorative sleep, even the best training and safety gear can only do so much. Sleep affects everything from your concentration and mood to your ability to react quickly, think clearly, and make smart decisions under pressure. The risks go beyond just feeling groggy When you're sleep-deprived, your brain and body are running on empty. Being sleep-deprived increases the risk of making mistakes, having accidents, or even needing time off. In industries where precision, coordination, or heavy machinery are involved, even a momentary lapse in attention caused by fatigue can have devastating consequences, not just for you, but for those around you. Jobs with irregular hours—like shift work, Fly-in-Fly-out/Drive-in Drive-out roles, and night shifts—are especially risky. Workers in these roles often get 25–33% less sleep than day workers.2 And those with sleep disorders face a 50% higher risk of workplace injuries, absenteeism, and safety violations.3 The dangers aren’t limited to the workplace Driving while drowsy can be just as risky as driving under the influence.1 Fatigue-related crashes tend to be severe, with drivers often failing to brake or swerve. If your job involves long-haul driving, late-night commuting, or shift work, arriving home safely depends heavily on being well-rested. It’s not just about protecting yourself; it’s about protecting every other person sharing the road with you. Why sleep is a non-negotiable Sleep is when your brain processes memories, balances mood, and resets for the day ahead. Skipping out on rest doesn’t just hurt your health—it affects your performance, your safety, and the people around you. This April 28, let’s take sleep seriously. If you regularly wake up tired, snore loudly, or struggle to stay awake during the day, talk to your doctor—it could be a sign of sleep apnoea or another sleep disorder. Fortunately, help is available, and getting assessed is easier than you might think. How Sove CPAP Clinic Can Help Founded in 2008, Sove CPAP Clinic has grown to become a leading provider of respiratory and sleep services and products in Australia, with over 60 clinics nationwide. Our comprehensive clinical team includes Respiratory & Sleep Specialists, Sleep Technologists, and CPAP Consultants, ensuring that you receive comprehensive and personalised care. All medical procedures, including sleep studies and lung function testing, are bulk billed to all Australians, with minimal wait time. If you would like to speak to a Respiratory & Sleep Physician, book a bulk-billed sleep study, or seek advice for your sleep apnea, you can reach us at 1300 76 29 39 or info@thecpapclinic.com.au. ALWAYS FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE. CPAP is used for Obstructive Sleep Apnea treatment. When considering whether a sleep study or CPAP is right for you, speak to your doctor. Medicare criteria and T&C’s apply. Citations 1. mySleep. “MySleep | Fatigue and Sleep Disorder Risks, Do You Have Sleep Problems, Sleep Apnea or Snore, Sleep.” MySleep, 2016, www.mysleep.com.au/workplace-commercial-impacts-of-sleep-apnea/. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025. 2. Parliament of Australia. House of Representatives Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Sport. “Bedtime Reading: Report on the Inquiry into Sleep Health Awareness in Australia.” Parliamentary Business, Committees, 4 Apr. 2019, https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/House/Health_Aged_Care_and_Sport/SleepHealthAwareness/Report/section?id=committees%2Freportrep%2F024220%2F26955. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025. 3. National Mental Health Commission, Australian Government. “The Hidden Impact of COVID-19 on Sleep.” National Mental Health Commission, 27 Mar. 2024, www.mentalhealthcommission.gov.au/publications/hidden-impact-covid-19-sleep-0. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.
