Video: Evidence-based strategies for sleep health during pandemic

By Laura French

PITTSBURGH — Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Department of Emergency Medicine have published a video offering evidence-based strategies for better sleep health, aimed at helping first responders get more adequate sleep while working extra or extended shifts during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the video, Paramedic Daniel Patterson, Ph.D., associate professor of emergency healthcare worker safety and principal researcher on fatigue mitigation guidelines at the University of Pittsburg, outlines methods for managing fatigue, including banking sleep between shifts, napping and using caffeine strategically.

Patterson notes that 50% of EMS personnel report getting less than six hours of sleep per night and says the COVID-19 crisis is likely to cause more first responders to suffer inadequate sleep.

See the full video below:

Additional Resources

• How first responders can boost immunity during pandemic

• Self-care for public safety professionals during the coronavirus crisis

• Protecting the mental health of first responders during a pandemic

• Self-care is critical for managing stress levels in EMTs and paramedics responding to COVID-19

• Follow a going-to-bed routine for optimal sleep