Sleep and Other Science You Need to Know
Sara Jahnke
Wednesday, June 11, 2025
1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Sleep and Other Science You Need to Know is a practical, evidence-based course designed to equip firefighters and fire service leaders with the essential health science that impacts their lives, families, and careers. The course dives into the latest research on sleep and shift work, showing how disrupted sleep patterns affect performance, decision-making, long-term health, and safety. Participants will also explore emerging science on cancer risk, reproductive health, and the effects of occupational exposures on child health outcomes. The course demystifies behavioral health programs, highlighting what works to support mental wellness and reduce stigma in the firehouse. Focusing on translating science into action, this course empowers attendees to make informed decisions, advocate for effective policies, and foster a healthier fire service culture. Whether you’re leading a crew or just starting your career, this is the science you can’t afford to ignore.
Dr. Sara Jahnke
Dr. Jahnke is the Director and a Senior Scientist with the Center for Fire, Rescue & EMS Health Research within NDRI-USA, Inc. She also serves as the President of the Board of Science to the Station: A Health and Wellness Alliance, an organization focused on making empirical evidence more accessible and useable for frontline personnel. With nearly two decades of research experience on firefighters, she has been the Principal Investigator on several national studies and dozens of studies as a co-investigator. She has more than 100 publications to her credit. Her work has focused on a range of health concerns, including the health of women firefighters, behavioral health, risk of injury, cancer, cardiovascular risk factors, and substance use, with funding from FEMA, the National Institutes of Health, and other foundations. She has received several recognitions for her work, including the John Granito Excellence in Fire Service Research Award, the President’s Award from the International Association of Fire Chiefs, and the Glatfelter Distinguished Service Award from the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.
