Sleep is essential for operator alertness. Drowsy equipment operators create unsafe mining sites, as they increase the likelihood of serious accidents. Better sleep can be facilitated by reducing caffeine intake and exercising early in the day. However, even if you’re taking these steps to enhance your sleep, you might unknowingly be sabotaging it by eating sweets.
Sugar affects the quality of sleep
The quality of sleep is just as important as the quantity. If you have a poorly managed sweet tooth, you’re less likely to get high-quality sleep. Scientific studies show that people who consume large amounts of sugar spend less time in deep sleep. This sleep stage is essential for the body’s healing, immune function and metabolism.
Sugar increases systemic inflammation
Systemic inflammation is a pathologic process that leads to many undesirable changes in the body. Sugar increases systemic inflammation that triggers physical and psychological changes in the body, which interfere with your ability to get a good night’s sleep.
Sugar intake can decrease the time spent in deep sleep and lead to low energy levels.
Sugar can also affect daytime wakefulness
Even with a full night’s rest, sugar can still sabotage your daytime wakefulness. The reason lies in the body’s orexin cells. Orexin is secreted in the brain and regulates a wide range of functions, including sleepiness. People with low levels of orexin suffer from low energy levels. Each time you eat a sweet treat, the sugar inhibits the activity of orexin cells, which induces sleepiness.
Driver fatigue is a major problem in the surface mining industry, and it presents a liability issue for site managers. Hexagon Mining is pleased to offer a complete portfolio of safety solutions, including the HxGN MineProtect Operator Alertness System (OAS).