A recent research report from Australia, which has achieved publicity in the UK press, suggests that lack of sleep can produce effects similar to those experienced by people who have drunk alcohol.

The report, produced in the journal 'Occupational and Environmental Medicine' by Andrew Williamson of the University of New South Wales in Sydney, suggests that lack of sleep can have an effect on concentration, memory and reaction and response times which are worse than those of a person who has taken alcohol.

Whilst the study has been grasped by the press and road safety experts, there are implications for workplace safety, and it will be interesting to see whether requirements for sufficient sleep will be picked up by the Health and Safety Executive, Trade Unions and employers organisations.