The University of Arizona has been awarded a $4 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to test worksite sleep coaching for Arizona-based firefighters. U of A’s College of Public Health will use the funds to study ways to improve firefighter sleep health.
A study led by the Harvard Work Hours Health and Safety Group shows almost half of career firefighters report short sleep and poor sleep quality. Another 37% screen positive for sleep disorders, including sleep apnea, insomnia or shift work disorder.
Firefighters face sleep challenges due to long shifts, mandatory overtime, and physically and emotionally demanding work.
U of A researchers will work with 20 fire agencies across Arizona to evaluate personalized sleep health interventions for real-world situations. The team also plans to train fire service managers how to promote healthy sleep and recovery within their crews and departments.