Lowest price guarantee
Free shipping Australia wide on orders over $100
Bulk Billed Sleep Studies Available - Find Out More
Call Us
1300 76 29 39
Find a Clinic
76 Locations

Shift Work, Sleep Disorders, and Their Unique Impact on Workplace Productivity

August 20, 2025

In today’s around-the-clock economy, shift work is more than common—it’s essential. From nurses to factory staff, truck drivers to retail workers, millions of Australians work outside traditional 9–5 hours. In fact, almost 15–30% of the workforce in industrialised countries is engaged in shift work.1 While society benefits, workplaces often pay the hidden price: reduced productivity.

Shift Work and Productivity

Shift work places employees at odds with their natural body clock.1 Our circadian rhythm—the internal cycle that regulates sleep, alertness, and energy—dictates when we perform at our best.1 Night shift workers are forced to be alert at the very time their body is programmed to wind down, and then must try to rest when their system is geared for activity.1

This mismatch fuels fatigue, distraction, and lapses in attention.2 It slows decision-making, reduces focus, and increases the likelihood of costly errors.2 For rotating shift workers, the challenge is even greater—constantly adjusting to new schedules creates a sense of “permanent jet lag” that undermines both efficiency and consistency at work.3

Sleep Disorders and Productivity

Beyond shift work, sleep disorders themselves are a major productivity drain. Around 22% of Australian adults have a diagnosed sleep disorder, and two in three report at least one ongoing sleep problem.4 Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), insomnia, and restless legs syndrome (RLS) are the most common—and they can cost workplaces dearly.4

Studies show that workers with sleep disorders lose on average 164 hours of productivity per year, compared to just 30 hours in those without.5 These disorders impair concentration, slow cognitive processes, reduce vigilance, and undermine task completion.6 In safety-critical industries like transport, construction, and healthcare, the consequences aren’t just costly—they can be catastrophic.

The Bigger Picture

Together, shift work and sleep disorders create a powerful double hit to productivity. Fatigue, inconsistent workflows, presenteeism, absenteeism, and mistakes all eat away at efficiency. The cost to Australia’s economy is staggering: an estimated $17.9 billion each year in lost productivity due to inadequate sleep.7

Moving Forward

The good news? Solutions exist. Employers can design smarter rosters that minimise disruption, provide education on rest strategies, and encourage employees to seek support.7 Workers can also take proactive steps—protecting sleep time, creating consistent routines where possible, and seeking medical guidance when needed.

Bottom line: productivity starts with sleep. By addressing both shift work challenges and sleep disorders, we can build workplaces that are not just busier—but better. If you’re concerned that poor sleep from shift work or signs of a sleep disorder are affecting your life, speak to a doctor. Getting the right help can make all the difference for your wellbeing—and your performance at work.

How Sove CPAP Clinic Can Help

Founded in 2008, Sove CPAP Clinic has grown to become a leading provider of respiratory and sleep services and products in Australia, with over 60 clinics nationwide. Our comprehensive clinical team includes Respiratory & Sleep Specialists, Sleep Technologists, and CPAP Consultants, ensuring that you receive comprehensive and personalised care. All medical procedures, including sleep studies and lung function testing, are bulk billed to all Australians, with minimal wait time.

If you would like to speak to a Respiratory & Sleep Physician, book a bulk-billed sleep study, or seek advice for your sleep apnea, you can reach us at 1300 76 29 39 or info@thecpapclinic.com.au.

ALWAYS FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE. CPAP is used for Obstructive Sleep Apnea treatment. When considering whether a sleep study or CPAP is right for you, speak to your doctor. Medicare criteria and T&Cs apply.

References

  1. Cho, Seong-Sik, et al. “The Association between Shift Work and Health-Related Productivity Loss due to Either Sickness Absence or Reduced Performance at Work: A Cross-Sectional Study of Korea.” International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, vol. 17, no. 22, 16 Nov. 2020, p. 8493, https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17228493.
  2. Cheng, Philip, and Christopher L Drake. Shift Work and Work Performance. 1 June 2016, pp. 11–30, https://doi.org/10.1093/acprof:oso/9780190217662.003.0002. Accessed 1 June 2023.
  3. “Time Management Strategies for Shift Workers | Boost Productivity with ShiftLink.” Shiftlinkapp.com, 2025, www.shiftlinkapp.com/post/maximizing-productivity-in-shift-work-time-management-tips.
  4. Sleep Problems as a Risk Factor for Chronic Conditions. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, Nov. 2021, www.aihw.gov.au/getmedia/7e520067-05f1-4160-a38f-520bac8fc96a/aihw-phe-296.pdf.
  5. Reynolds, Amy C., et al. “Insomnia and Workplace Productivity Loss among Young Working Adults: A Prospective Observational Study of Clinical Sleep Disorders in a Community Cohort.” Medical Journal of Australia, vol. Online first, 10 July 2023, www.mja.com.au/journal/2023/219/3/insomnia-and-workplace-productivity-loss-among-young-working-adults-prospective.
  6. Silva, Graciela E., et al. “Association between Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Multiple Involuntary Job Loss History among Recently Unemployed Adults.” Sleep Health, vol. 7, no. 1, Feb. 2021, pp. 118–122, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sleh.2020.08.002.
  7. “Asleep on the Job: Costs of Inadequate Sleep in Australia | Special Sleep Reports.” Sleephealthfoundation.org.au, 2016, www.sleephealthfoundation.org.au/special-sleep-reports/asleep-on-the-job-costs-of-inadequate-sleep-in-australia?linkId=16163154.