The smaller, subtler impact of mild to moderate tiredness and fatigue on the population is much more difficult to measure, but estimates are massive. In the
US, where there have been detailed investigations conducted into the cost of insomnia on society, studies indicate direct cost-estimates of $14 billion annually, rising to $100 billion for indirect costs (including workrelated accidents and lost productivity). These were estimates from early in this second millennium (Sivertsen & Nordhus, 2007).
A common influence on poor sleep, but experienced by many people, is the impact of shift-work. Shiftworking is implicated in the reduced quality of life and the increased morbidity and mortality of this group.
Many organisations are behind the curve in respect to their shift-working employees and in understanding the impact of poor sleep generally. However there are ways to tackle insomnia and sleep problems, and organisations can help to promote a happier, healthier workforce who make better decisions, communicate more effectively, build, and lead stronger and more resilient teams.