Risk of accidents, use of addictive substances and daytime sleepiness

Every year, around 53,000 occupational accidents occur due to sleep problems. SUVA estimates the costs arising from these to be CHF 283 million per year. Added to this are costs of around CHF 512 million per year due leisure-time accidents caused by sleep problems.

In regards to the connection between sleep problems and accidents, the behaviour of adolescents and young adults when going out – specifically their substance consumption when going out – is also relevant. On the one hand, substance consumption can increase the risks of accidents occurring while going out. On the other hand, stimulating substances can counteract fatigue so that adolescents and young adults can stay out longer. If this cannot be adequately compensated for by sleeping late, the risk of an accident occurring the following day increases. Excessive alcohol consumption and the use of sedative substances, which can also have a negative effect on sleep, also increase the risk of accidents during their night out and on the following day. In addition to the consumption of substances during their night out, consumption during work or during a break from work can also increase the risk of accidents. This connection has not yet been investigated for the consumption of CBD-containing smoking goods and vaporising agents, which are not covered by the narcotics law due to their low THC content.
 

The main objective of this study is to investigate the relationship between the consumption of addictive drugs or other substances/medicines and the negative effect on sleep and daytime fatigue. An additional aim ist to investigate to what extent substance consumption and daytime fatigue are related to accidents.

The research institute “gfs zürich” conducts the survey on behalf of ISGF. By means of Random Digital Dialing (RDD) a representative sample of 2000 15-34 year olds (all language regions) will be reached. The computer assisted telephone interviews (CATI) last approximately 10-15 minutes and are conducted in German, French or Italian. In addition to socio-demographic questions, questions are also asked about daytime fatigue, accidents in the past 12 months and the consumption of addictive substances (e.g. alcohol, illegal drugs) and other substances/medicines such as energy drinks, tranquillisers or sleeping pills. The survey is designed so that it can be repeated at a later date.

Based on the results, measures can be taken to prevent accidents. By conducting the survey again at a later date, it can be evaluated whether these measures are effective.