Sleep Hygiene Within the Fire Service: A Narrative Review

ABSTRACT Firefighters are valuable members of society, prioritizing and assisting in public safety. Although the occupation is physically demanding, firefighters are at great risk of cardiovascular disease compared with the general population. Although cardiovascular disease, obesity, and hypertension are preventable, the risk remains prominent in the fire service. Firefighters respond to emergencies throughout the day and night, causing disruptions and insufficient sleep, which may hinder their health and ability to accomplish occupational tasks. Adequate sleep quantity and quality are vital for both cognitive functioning and performance. Decrements in sleep duration or quality may have immediate detrimental impacts on firefighters' ability to perform occupational duties and further increase the risk of injury. Furthermore, poor sleep habits also negatively affect chronic health, heightening the precedented health concerns of this population. Understanding the effects of poor sleep hygiene and how to counteract inadequate sleep may reduce the risk of chronic health problems and allow firefighters to consistently accomplish occupational performance tasks. This narrative review describes the effects of poor sleep and the implication of quality sleep hygiene regimens that may provide the fire service.