Study: Cops' Sleep Disorders May Pose Public Safety Risk

By Dr. Brian McDonough

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - When we think about police officers and the risks they face we usually think about gun control and problems that are associated with crime. Lack of sleep is not often included in those risks.

But, according to a new report in the Journal of the American Medical Association, a survey of police officers has suggested that about four out of 10 have a sleep disorder (click here to view the study). This can be associated with safety issues, performance problems and obviously adverse health.

The information is very important, because it takes a look at police officers who work extended shifts and have long work weeks. It is also suggesting they could have problems with increases risk of errors, unintended injuries and motor vehicle crashes.

Perhaps most concerning is it is expected that more officers are killed by unintended adverse events than the commission of felonies.