FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SUMMER LIFEGUARDS MAY KNOW RESCUE TECHNIQUES, BUT DO THEY GET ENOUGH SLEEP TO STAY AWAKE ON THE JOB?

The National Sleep Foundation and The Endeavor Center for Sleep Medicine say those trained to guard pools, lakes and oceans should also guard their sleep time.

(Mequon, WI, July 28, 2005) – Every summer, thousands of teens and young adults climb into lifeguard chairs in communities around the country, committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of those under their watch, including many children. These young people are expected to be alert, attentive and watchful every day, for several hours at a stretch, often sitting in one position in the baking heat of a summer day.

The stresses of paying constant attention and routinely scanning the same area can be daunting, particularly for young people who may be easily bored or distracted. Young lifeguards may also have active social lives or other busy schedules that keep them from getting adequate sleep the night before duty, leaving them drowsy, fatigued, and less functional than they need to be.

“Lifeguards have one of the most challenging jobs out there,” says Richard L. Gelula, CEO of the National Sleep Foundation (NSF). “They have the tremendous responsibility of watching our families and other loved ones and ensuring that entire beaches or pools are safe. They need to be alert every minute they are on duty, and they must always be ready to perform at their best. To do that, it is critical that they get sufficient sleep. How often do you think the lifeguard on duty where you swim gets a good night’s sleep?”

Teens and young adults (under age 25) are at high risk for problem sleepiness, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), which reports that this sleepiness can lead to lapses in attention and delayed response times at critical moments. NSF’s 2000 Sleep in America poll showed that 33% of 18-25 year olds say they have significant daytime sleepiness, and 40% say they are sleepy at work at least two days a week or more.

Teens need more sleep than the 7-9 hours recommended for adults; sleep experts recommend between 8.5-9.5 hours for adolescents, who have unique sleep needs. Their internal circadian clocks are set to go to bed at 11 pm or later, and they naturally wake up later as well. Even those teens who get adequate sleep tend to be sleepy during mid-morning hours and more alert in the mid-afternoon.

“We know that young people have special sleep needs, and we also know that their busy lives, including school or work schedules, often keep them from getting as much sleep as they need,” says Steven M. Brown, M.D., a Sleep Specialist at the Endeavor Center for Sleep Medicine. “It is critical that those who work as lifeguards this summer get enough sleep on a regular basis, particularly on the nights before they are on duty, so that they are rested, refreshed, and fully functional at their posts. Lives depend on their alertness and attentiveness.”

Pools and communities often issue specific guidelines for lifeguards that include recommendations meant to alleviate the fatigue and boredom that comes with the job, such as changing position or posture, rotating tasks, and keeping alert by counting swimmers or mentally rehearsing a rescue.

In addition, the National Sleep Foundation and The Endeavor Center for Sleep Medicine offer the following tips for those planning to be a lifeguard this summer:

  • Always get a good night's sleep before lifeguard duty.
  • Be smart about scheduling. If you know you won't be able to fall asleep with at least 7 to 9 hours of sleep time before your schedule begins (adolescents need more), talk to your supervisor about working a later shift. If you know you get sleepy in the afternoon, try to work in the morning.
  • Recognize the signs of fatigue and take action. Signs include heavy eyes, yawning, trouble concentrating, blurred vision or trouble keeping your head up. If you experience any of these signs, tell a supervisor and request a break.
  • Keep cool with shade, a beach umbrella and sun hat. Avoid sunburn, which can be painful and disrupt your sleep.
  • Stay hydrated! In addition to the sun, caffeinated coffee and soda will dehydrate you and you need to drink extra water.

If a lifeguard is setting aside enough time for sleep but is regularly sleepy during the day, he/she should have a medical examination and be screened for a sleep disorder that can occur at any age.

For more information about sleep, along with interactive tools and quizzes, visit NSF’s newly redesigned Web site, www.sleepfoundation.org.

The National Sleep Foundation is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to improving public health and safety by achieving understanding of sleep and sleep disorders, and by supporting sleep-related education, research and advocacy.

The Endeavor Center for Sleep Medicine (www.endeavortherapy.com) works with the National Sleep Foundation as a Community Sleep Awareness Partner to educate people in Southeast Wisconsin about the importance of sleep and the treatment of sleep disorders.

Contact
Karen Block
Phone: 262-241-8022
Email: karenb@endeavortherapy.com