Ten Most Sleep-Deprived Jobs

While some people working in many different areas of the workforce may temporarily have trouble getting out of bed each morning, others deal with sleep deprivation all year long. Being a part of the Morning Show over the past 15 years has definitely deprived me of a lot of sleep so I think DJs need to be added to this list!

A recent ranking from mattress retailer Sleepy's reveals the jobs that get the least amount of zzz's each night. Here are the top ten jobs that have the most sleep-deprived people:

1. Home health aides
Home health aides look after people in need of around-the-clock care, such as critically ill patients or older adults. The work is both physically and emotionally demanding and often requires overnight shifts. Median hourly wage*: $9.84

2. Lawyers
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, of those lawyers who work full time, about 33 percent work 50 or more hours per week. No wonder they aren't getting the recommended eight hours of rest. Median annual earnings: $110,590

3. Police officers
It's not surprising that police officers made the list, considering the occupation was deemed one of America's scariest jobs, according to a CareerBuilder survey. In addition, a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that 40 percent had at least one sleep disorder. Median annual earnings: $51,410

4. Physicians, paramedics
According to Sleepy's, health-care professionals such as emergency medical technicians and paramedics work, on average, 180 hours more a year than the average worker and are often on call all night. Median hourly wage (paramedics): $14.10

5. Economists
While it might seem surprising that this profession made the list, the BLS notes that many work under pressure of deadlines and tight schedules, which may require overtime. Median annual earnings: $83,590

6. Social workers
According to the BLS, social workers often have large caseloads, leading to longer hours. Some also work evenings and weekends to meet with clients and tend to emergencies all of which may lead to lack of sleep. Median annual earnings: $39,530

7. Computer programmers
The website collegegrad.com states that while most computer programmers work typical 40 hour weeks, longer hours may be required due to deadlines or technical problems. Median annual earnings: $69,620

8. Financial analysts
Given that much of a financial analyst's day is spent traveling, meeting with clients or answering calls, many must burn the midnight oil in order to complete their client work. Median annual earnings: $73,150

9. Plant operators
According to the BLS, plant operators usually work one of three 8-hour shifts or one of two 12-hour shifts on a rotating basis. Working rotating shifts can cause stress and fatigue due to constant changes in living and sleeping patterns. Median annual earnings (power plant operators): $58,470

10. Secretaries
Secretaries and administrative assistants have many people relying on them. They are expected to keep track of people's schedules, coordinate meetings and book travel, among other duties. It would be easy to understand if a secretary was kept up at night thinking about the next day's to-do list. Median annual earnings: $29,050