Sleep health is often overlooked in the workplace, yet it plays a critical role in employee well-being, safety, and performance. This presentation equips HR professionals with essential knowledge to recognize and respond to sleep-related issues among employees. Attendees will gain an understanding of why restorative sleep is vital to overall health, learn to identify key warning signs and utilize screening tools for sleep disorders, and explore how untreated sleep apnea can impair cognitive function across four critical domains. The session will also address common barriers to diagnosis and treatment of obstructive sleep apnea and emphasize how HR professionals can play a pivotal role in coordinating support and intervention. This practical, research-informed session is designed to empower HR teams to take proactive steps toward a healthier, more productive workforce.

Learning objectives:

1.    Understand the importance of restorative sleep and health 
2.    Know warning signs and screening tests for sleep disorders
3.    List four domains of cognition affected by unrecognized or untreated sleep apnea
4.    Be aware of barriers to effective diagnosis and treatment of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome
5.    Understand the role of the HR Professional in coordinating the intervention in an employee with suspected sleep disorder

Presented by Dr. Edward I Galaid, MD, MPH, FACOEM

Edward I. Galaid, MD, MPH, FACOEM is a specialist in occupational medicine and internal medicine.  He has been in leadership positions in occupational medicine for 35 years.   As Medical Director of Roper St. Francis Occupational Medicine, he oversees the services provided in Roper’s full service practice and the onsite clinics, and to the 6300 employees of Roper St. Francis Healthcare.  

Dr. Galaid is board certified in internal medicine and occupational medicine.  He is a Fellow of the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM) and Chair, ACOEM Public Safety Medicine Section.  He is the author of the Sleep Disorders chapter of the ACOEM Guidance for the Medical Evaluation of Public Safety Employees.  Dr. Galaid is formerly an Epidemic Intelligence Service Officer at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and an epidemiologist with the New York City Department of Health. 

https://www.rsfh.com/partners/occupational-medicine/