Experimental study of sleep disturbances in firefighters of the city of Kropyvnitskiy and the region

  • A.N. Sukholentsev State Emergency Service of Ukraine in Kirovohrad Oblast
  • N.D. Kovalchuk National Pirogov Memorial Medical University, Vinnytsya, Ukraine
Keywords: sleep disorders, apnea, restless leg syndrome, professional disease, sleep hygiene, Ukrainian firefighters

Abstract

Sleep deprivation is one of the primary work-related health issues facing professional firefighters which can decrease their executive functioning and contribute to an array of health problems in them. The aim of this exploratory, quantitative research study is to gather preliminary data regarding the health of Ukrainian rescuers, with a focus on sleep. Sleep-deprived participants in our research study were identified using such questionnaires as PSQI, ISI, ESS, SSS, FSS, and BQSA. The obtained results confirm the presence of certain regularities. Typical for the firefighting profession sleep disorders were detected among firefighters of the city of Kropyvnitskiy and the region, including insomnia, apnea, restless leg syndrome (RLS), daytime sleepiness and low alertness, daytime fatigue, low sleep quality. Individuals suffering from sleep deprivation are at a higher risk for developing certain cardiovascular and metabolic issues, depressive disorders. Also, we found out that the aforementioned sleep disturbances contributed to a higher level of impulsivity and overall lack of executive functioning in firefighters. In our study we outline the importance of early detection and treatment for sleep disorders as a protective measure against the development of professional diseases. Sleep hygiene education should be provided to Ukrainian firefighters. It could influence them to make better choices related to their sleep, which would subsequently impact other areas of their health and wellbeing. Annual research studies concerning firefighters' sleep quality should be conducted on a regular basis with the aim to accumulate relevant statistics on the topic under consideration.

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Published
2019-09-02
How to Cite
Sukholentsev, A., & Kovalchuk, N. (2019). Experimental study of sleep disturbances in firefighters of the city of Kropyvnitskiy and the region. Reports of Vinnytsia National Medical University, 23(3), 504-508. https://doi.org/10.31393/reports-vnmedical-2019-23(3)-27
Section
SOCIAL MEDICINE, ORGANIZATION OF HEALTH PROTECTION