Why participate in SAFFIRE?
Sleep is essential for the health, performance, and overall well-being of firefighters. While specific benefits of the SAFFIRE program cannot be guaranteed, prior research shows that improving sleep can lead to:
- Better physical health. Quality sleep improves immune function, reduces inflammation, and lowers the risk of chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease.
- Improved mental clarity. Better sleep enhances decision-making, sustained attention, memory, and critical thinking— key skills for navigating complex, high-pressure emergency situations.
- Enhanced emotional wellbeing. Adequate sleep supports emotional stability and mood regulation, reducing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and anger.
- Improved performance. Well-rested individuals demonstrate faster reaction times, better coordination, and increased physical endurance- critical for physically demanding roles.
- Greater Safety: Quality sleep minimizes the risk of errors and accidents caused by fatigue, improving safety for firefighters and the communities they serve.
- Increased Job Satisfaction: Feeling well-rested contributes to higher job satisfaction and reduced burnout, fostering a more positive and sustainable work environment.
Sleep Fitness Program Details
The SAFFIRE study has tailored a sleep fitness program designed for the fire service that includes personalized sleep health coaching and also sleep leadership training.
Sleep health coaching
Sleep health coaches connect with firefighters via Zoom or phone to create personalized plans that help improve sleep quality, quantity, or consistency. The program is flexible and remote, allowing firefighters to work with their coach from anywhere. Sleep coaches are trained by experts from the University of Arizona in the latest, evidence-based sleep strategies.
The program is based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBTi), a proven method for managing sleep problems and disturbances related to shift work. It focuses on changing thoughts, behaviors, and environmental factors that individuals can control. Together with their coach, participants choose the strategies that align with their personal goals, ensuring solutions are both effective and tailored to their specific situation on and off-shift.
All coaches receive training in relevant job functions and scheduling to ensure competency with fire service culture.
To learn more about what type of content may be used during the sleep health coaching sessions please watch these short videos:
Firefighter example Medic example
Sleep leadership training
Fire service managers take an asynchronous online training in sleep leadership. This training includes guidance on creating supportive sleep environments and routines, educating firefighters about barriers and facilitators of sleep, and promoting healthy sleep behaviors.