29% of Firefighters Suffer from 'Sleep Disorders'... Strengthening Health Management through 'Sleep Quality Improvement Project'

Seoul Fire and Disaster Headquarters, Enhancing Work Efficiency and Preventing Related Diseases

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] The Seoul Fire and Disaster Headquarters is taking steps to improve the sleep quality of firefighters.

The Fire and Disaster Headquarters announced on the 20th that it had 2,013 firefighters at high risk of sleep disorders such as insomnia and sleep apnea complete questionnaires, and based on the analysis results, selected 326 individuals to receive treatment at specialized hospitals including sleep clinics.

According to a survey conducted by the headquarters in May on the mental health of firefighters, 2,013 personnel responded that they were experiencing sleep disorders, accounting for 29.1% of the total.

Among field personnel, many complained of insomnia due to irregular sleep patterns caused by shift work and frequent changes in lifestyle and biological rhythms. Additionally, night shift workers in external departments must remain on standby for dispatch at all times, requiring high concentration on dispatch command broadcasts or dispatch bell sounds throughout the night, which can affect their usual sleep.

Insomnia causes fatigue during the day and leads to decreased concentration. Sleep apnea, characterized by breathing cessation more than five times per hour during sleep, is known to cause chronic fatigue, headaches, hypertension, arrhythmia, and can even lead to sudden death.

The headquarters decided to support polysomnography testing costs for the 326 individuals targeted for sleep quality improvement and to conduct follow-up management. The cost of equipment (CPAP machines) prescribed for sleep apnea treatment is 80% covered by the National Health Insurance Service.

Kwon Hyuk-min, Director of Safety Support at the Seoul Fire and Disaster Headquarters, said, "Firefighters need to be healthy to provide better fire services to citizens," adding, "Through the sleep quality improvement project, we will strengthen special health management for firefighters, including the prevention of related diseases."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.