Workplace Wellbeing Programs Often Overlook Sleep Issues
Written with artificial intelligence.
Kathryn Pinkham emphasized that while awareness around sleep has grown, many corporate wellbeing initiatives inadequately address sleep-related challenges. She advocates for digital cognitive behavioral therapy as a more effective solution for chronic insomnia.
Inadequate Sleep Support in Wellbeing Programs
During the Employee Benefits Live 2026 event, sleep specialist Kathryn Pinkham pointed out that corporate wellbeing programs frequently fail to tackle significant sleep issues despite rising awareness. Employees often experience anxiety about their performance after a poor night's sleep, which can trigger a heightened stress response in the body.
Pinkham noted that many workers attempt to micromanage their sleep by researching solutions or using sleep aids, inadvertently increasing pressure on a naturally automatic process. A trial from the Insomnia Clinic involving 400 retail workers revealed that 75% felt they should have taken a sick day due to fatigue, underscoring the problem of presenteeism in the workplace.
Limitations of Current Employee Assistance Programs
Many employee assistance programs (EAPs) rely heavily on generic sleep hygiene advice or sleep tracking apps, which do not effectively address chronic insomnia. According to Pinkham, such approaches simply highlight existing issues without providing real solutions. She criticized the lack of EAPs offering robust sleep advice, suggesting that standard recommendations like monitoring caffeine intake are insufficient for those with persistent sleep problems.
Advocating for Digital Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Pinkham promotes the use of digital cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), which has demonstrated significant improvements in daytime functioning and mood. CBT-I focuses on three core principles: rebuilding sleep drive, resetting the body clock, and reframing wakefulness.
For immediate relief of sleep issues, she recommends three practical steps:
- Spend less time in bed: Consolidate sleep by waking up earlier or going to bed later to enhance sleep quality.
- Avoid battling wakefulness: If struggling to sleep, get out of bed and engage in a calming activity until you feel relaxed.
- Dedicate time for worries: Allocate 20 minutes during the day to write down concerns, which helps prevent nighttime catastrophizing.
Managing Sleep in Hybrid Working Environments
Pinkham also addressed the challenges posed by hybrid working models on sleep patterns. She advises sticking to a consistent wake-up time, which aids in regulating circadian rhythms and improving overall sleep quality. This approach leads to better mood and functioning, especially for those who may struggle with varying routines throughout the week.