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Law enforcement sleep crisis: Strategies to enhance rest and readiness

“Research shows that about 75% of our law enforcement do not get sufficient sleep on their shift nights.”

In Police1’s “What Cops Want in 2024” survey, more than 2,800 officers nationwide shed light on the growing toll of fatigue in law enforcement. Grueling schedules, relentless overtime and insufficient recovery time means officers are tired — physically, mentally and emotionally.

In a special episode of the Policing Matters podcast Roll Call series on officer health and well-being, host Jim Dudley speaks with David Black, PhD; and Mandy Nice about:

  • Officer wellness and sleep research insights
  • Law enforcement sleep strategies to reduce fatigue
  • Boosting performance through police officer sleep improvement
  • Practical tips to improve health and wellness
  • Unlock Functional Fitness
  • Transforming Post-Traumatic Injury Into Growth
  • How to Build Wealth and Crush Debt
  • Building Effective Wellness Programs
  • The Power of Connection: Family, Friends Faith

In this episode, Dr. David Black and Mandy Nice discuss proactive measures officers can take to improve their sleep.

  • Top quote: “Research shows that about 75% of our law enforcement do not get sufficient sleep on their shift nights.”
  • Top tip: Invest in a sleep mask. Full retinal blackout stimulates your body to produce natural melatonin.
  • Top resource: Simple hacks for improved sleep

About our guests

  • Dr. David Black is founder of Cordico. He also serves on the Board of Directors for Lexipol.
  • Mandy Nice is senior CEM, Lexipol. She has over 18 years of experience developing and implementing national award-winning physical fitness and wellness programs.

About the Policing Matters Podcast

Policing Matters is a weekly law enforcement podcast bringing you the latest news and critical issues impacting police officers. Listen as Police1 columnist and Deputy Chief Jim Dudley (ret.) sits down with law enforcement and criminal justice experts from across the country to talk strategy and trends in policing.

Listen on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Stitcher, Spotify, and RSS feed. You can also watch the show on Police1’s YouTube channel.

Enjoying the show? Please take a moment to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts. Contact the Policing Matters team at policingmatters@police1.com to share ideas, suggestions and feedback.

This article was originally posted December 29, 2022. It has been updated with additional information and resources.

FIRST RESPONDER WELLNESS WEEK RESOURCES
A candid conversation with Gordon Graham on wellness, leadership and the habits that actually keep first responders going
The transition from academy to patrol can erode fitness fast. Here’s how officers can maintain tactical readiness during their first year
The Police1 community reveals simple but effective ways to mentally and emotionally clock out after every shift — from guided imagery to Jimmy Buffett
The Fairplay Police Department’s approach blends a 48/96 schedule with structured rest rules to improve retention and reduce burnout
Track the daily habits that support operational readiness, performance and long-term health
After an officer’s blunt question, one leader confronts a hard truth — agencies are responding to burnout, not preventing it

Policing Matters law enforcement podcast with host Jim Dudley features law enforcement and criminal justice experts discussing critical issues in policing