Sleepless Nights |Tackling the Impact of Shift Work on Mental Health

In this episode of 2nd Alarm Project Radio, we tackle one of the most overlooked threats to first responder wellness: sleep deprivation and shift work. Host Mike Bellamy is joined by Dr. Kellie O'Dare and Dr. Joel Billings, a former firefighter and sleep scientist, to break down how irregular sleep patterns affect everything from decision-making to long-term mental health.

Dr. Billings brings a unique blend of personal and professional experience to the conversation—starting as a volunteer firefighter and now serving as a sleep researcher and professor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. The team dives deep into the science behind sleep cycles, how trauma is processed during REM sleep, and the surprising link between chronic sleep deprivation and performance impairments equivalent to intoxication.

We also explore emerging research on firefighter shift schedules, family dynamics, and department-level interventions to support healthy sleep habits. From adjusting shift start times to station design and strategic napping, this episode offers practical takeaways for agencies looking to prioritize long-term wellness.

Whether you're a firefighter, EMS professional, clinician, or family member, this conversation highlights the critical role of sleep in resilience, safety, and career longevity.

Let us know what you think about the show by leaving a comment at https://2ndalarmproject.org/contact/

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Show Notes

Hosts:
Mike Bellamy – [e-mail]
Dr. Kellie O'Dare – [e-mail] | https://2ndalarmproject.org

Guest:
Dr. Joel Billings – Associate Professor, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Email: [e-mail]