Studies have shown that law enforcement officers live an average of 15 years less than the rest of the population. While the data may be shocking in its size, there probably isn’t a single officer who doesn’t know that being in law enforcement has consequences to their physical and mental health.
Law enforcement health is an important and often forgotten topic.
According to a study, the average law enforcement officer carries 30 pounds of weight around their duty belt along, during shifts that can last 12 hours or more, in all weather conditions and through demanding physical exertion.
Mental health is possibly an even more-seldom discussed problem: PTSD is a true problem, in the law enforcement community. A study by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) reports that more officers die from suicide than in the line of duty.
Law enforcement wellness is, clearly, an important topic to cover.
While every situation is different, here are 6 things law enforcement officers can do today to improve their health.
Make sure your sleep habits are not negatively affected by things over which you have control: eating too much, too late, falling asleep with the television on, and drinking alcohol can negatively impact your sleep quality.
While law enforcement officers are often unable to control their sleep schedule, it’s important to develop a “going to sleep” routine.
1. Commit to Proper Nutrition
Eating healthy is important for everyone, but especially for law enforcement officers, who’s daily tasks are demanding and require physical and mental acumen. While eating right requires a conscious decision, eating right while on duty can be challenging. Choosing to plan one’s meals can be a way to avoid last-minute decisions. Planned meals can account for healthy choices, including avoiding empty calories (donuts, anyone?), which provide a quick boost of energy, followed by a crash, and opting for nutrient-rich foods, including lean meat, eggs, and fruit. Packing snacks like nuts is a good way to remain healthy, while keeping easy-to-store food on the ready. A healthy diet should be followed at home and on duty, and can help law enforcement officers remain in good mental and physical shape.2. Get a Good Night’s Sleep
Like your mom (and any mattress commercial) would tell you: don’t underestimate the power of a good night’s sleep. A police officer’s performance might be affected, if he or she does not get enough good sleep. Additionally, and more importantly, lack of sleep can negatively impact their physical and mental health, too. Studies published by the National Institute of Health (NIH) show that sleep deficiency affects law enforcement officers on both the night and day shifts: both reported less overall sleep and worse sleep quality as compared to other occupations. Officers with sleep disorders had a higher likelihood of a safety violation or error owing to weariness, uncontrollable anger toward a suspect, absenteeism, or major administrative errors as compared to those without. Making sure that officers of all ranks receive enough sleep can help them work better and maintain a healthy force.