The Culture of “I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead” is Killing Firefighters (and First Responders)

In the fire service, the dangerous culture of “I’ll sleep when I’m dead” is contributing to a deadly crisis: sleep loss is taking the lives of firefighters and first responders. Mental health discussions must shift away from speculative causes and face the cold, hard truth: sleep deprivation is killing our heroes.

As a family that has experienced the devastating loss of my husband’s partner, we know the harsh reality of this issue all too well. In a roundtable discussion with peer support firefighters, the topic of sleep deprivation and its direct link to suicide sparked national concern. One firefighter skeptically mentioned that convincing peers about the impact of sleep loss on suicide would be challenging. But this isn’t a matter of opinion—it’s a hard fact. Sleep loss is killing firefighters.

Suicide as a Line of Duty Death (LODD)

Suicide remains the silent LODD—an issue that many refuse to address. However, recent research has provided a new, scientifically-backed understanding of suicide within the fire service. Chronic sleep deprivation plays a major role in causing suicidal ideation. A groundbreaking 10-year study by Stanford University researchers found a direct connection between sleep disruption and suicide in adults, with 20 suicides recorded among those with chronic sleep disturbances. This is just one glimpse into the lethal world of sleep deprivation within the firefighting profession.

Why Sleep Loss Contributes to Suicide Among Firefighters

Here are three crucial ways sleep loss contributes to suicidal thoughts and outcomes:

1. Sleep Deprivation in Firefighters: Stripping the Balance
   Sleep deprivation significantly impacts serotonin and dopamine levels, neurotransmitters linked to mood regulation and motivation. Chronic sleep restriction leads to serotonin receptor desensitization, causing depression and emotional instability. Reduced dopamine receptors further fuel impulsive behavior and emotional distress, contributing to a higher risk of suicide.
2. Brain Hijack: The Impact on Decision-Making
   Sleep deprivation triggers the fight-or-flight response, flooding the brain with cortisol, a stress hormone. Repeated exposure to high cortisol levels damages critical brain regions like the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, which are responsible for decision-making, emotional regulation, and memory. This “brain hijack” leads to irrational behavior and a reduced capacity for rational thought, increasing the likelihood of harmful actions.
3. REM Sleep: The Crucial Stage
   REM sleep is vital for emotional processing and stability. Firefighters often experience disrupted sleep, which prevents them from entering REM sleep. As a result, their bodies fail to process emotions properly, leading to depression, irritability, and emotional instability. The loss of REM sleep is a significant contributor to the psychological toll and suicidal ideation among first responders.

The Need for Cultural Change in the Fire Service

It’s time to address the culture of neglect around sleep deprivation in firefighters. Leaders must recognize that the old “I’ll sleep when I’m dead” mentality is putting lives at risk. The physiological evidence is clear: sleep is essential for mental wellness and survival. It’s crucial to shift the firehouse culture to one that prioritizes rest and recovery.

In Honor of Firefighter Michael Jeffries

This article honors the memory of Denver Firefighter Michael Jeffries, who tragically succumbed to suicide in 2016. By spreading awareness about the dangers of sleep deprivation, we hope to prevent further losses and support the well-being of first responders everywhere.

Written by Jacqueline Toomey, Founder of the First Responder Sleep Recovery Program