DAK Health Report Sleep disorders are increasing

DAK Health Report: Sleep disorders and mental illness increase

Mental illnesses such as depression or the burnout syndrome are also increasing significantly in the district of Pinneberg, according to the statement of the corresponding DAK health report. In addition, about 0.5 percent more people reported sick than in the previous year, so that the sick leave increased to 3.3 percent.

Increase in sick leave - increase in mental illness the strongest
In the health report, the DAK evaluates the data of its insured persons - including medical diagnoses and medication prescriptions as well as surveys of experts and selected population groups. In addition to a general increase in sick leave of 0.5 per cent, the massive increase in mental illness by 46 per cent is particularly striking in the report for the Pinneberg district. Thirty-three out of every 1,000 insured were on sick leave every day in 2009, although Pinneberg is still slightly below average on a nationwide comparison. Dr. Raimund Hümmelink, head of the health service in the district administration Pinneberg, explains the general increase in sick leave as follows: Since in times of economic crisis, many workers for fear of their jobs have waived a sick leave, in the course of economic recovery, however, again frequent a doctor , the sick leave increases automatically.

Most common causes of illness: back problems, respiratory diseases and mental suffering
Back pain is still the leading cause of sick leave, followed by respiratory system disorders. According to the DAK Health Report, back complaints as well as bronchitis and Co. have again increased by twelve percent on the basis of a quite high initial value from the previous year. In third place, the reasons for a sick leave are now followed by mental illnesses such as depression or burnout, which have increased by an appalling 46 percent. „During the economic crisis, many companies released personnel and distributed the work to the remaining employees. The increase in work density and pressure in the workplace now leads to depression and burnout more often. "Commented Thomas Ehlert, head of the DAK Service Center Pinneberg, on the results of the health report.

Lack of sleep is increasing - doctor's visit recommended
Similar to the recently published DAK Health Report for Thuringia, there is also a worrying increase in sleep disorders and sleep deprivation in Pinneberg. Too many people torture themselves, according to the DAK every day, completely exhausted to work. The DAK interviewed 1407 men and women between the ages of 35 and 65 in November and December of last year, with 21.5 percent saying they had more sleep disorders and 26.5 percent were sometimes affected. However, lack of sleep should not be taken for granted. The experts suggest that sleep problems should be medically examined as soon as they last more than a month, at least three times a week, and / or interfere with their job. From a self-medication with sleeping pills advise the DAK experts urgently, since the long-term intake can bring massive side effects. „It is frightening that almost 60 percent of sufferers take medication without the help of a doctor“, explained Wolfgang Wirkner of the DAK to the „image“-newspaper.

Healthy diet, sports and relaxation for prevention
Finally, Thomas Ehlert comments on the DAK health report for the year 2009 with the words: "The level of sick leave in the district of Pinneberg shows that there is a need for action in terms of health“. For example, a balanced diet, regular exercise and relaxation exercises, according to the medical profession, can contribute to a lasting reduction in the risk of illness. In addition, experts such as Thomas Ehlert and Dr. Hümmelink insured to use the prevention services of their health insurance. (Fp)

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