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Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Truck Drivers, and Your Safety

September 12, 2009 on 5:38 pm | In Uncategorized | No Comments

For the last several years, health organizations such as the National Sleep Foundation, the American College of Chest Physicians, and the American College of Occupation and Environment Medicine have been promoting sleep apnea testing for commercial truck drivers. This is because sleep disorders have been traced back to many accidents — in fact, research shows that sufferers from this ailment are more than seven times more likely to be in an automotive accident.

This shocking news has caught the attention of numerous organizations, such as those listed above, in the hopes that millions of lives can be saved by preventing the occurrence of these accidents. Being alert is critical for drivers and the public when driving on public roads.

Commercial Truck Drivers: Why They are So Susceptible to Sleep Apnea

Lack of sleep can lead to drastic negative effects on mental, physical, social performance. Fatigue can wear down the body over time, causing the sleep deprived to be susceptible to a variety of diseases. One of the most dangerous activities to engage in while sleep deprived is operating a vehicle. Studies have even shown that tired drivers have similar reaction times to drivers under the influence of alcohol. Add a multi-ton semi-truck to the equation and the results can be devastating for drivers and everyone on the road.

In addition to long and repetitive hours, truck drivers with sleep apnea don’t get the regenerative REM rest necessary to recharge the mind and body. This lack of regenerative sleep causes all drives to be slow to react, have poorer decision-making skills, or even to fall asleep at the wheel. This is a true hazard to both driver and public, especially when the driver who falls asleep is handling a long, multi-ton semi.

The most common type of sleep apnea is called “obstructive sleep apnea,” and is generally caused by obesity. When a person becomes overweight, the additional weight on the neck creates a blockage of the throat when the body relaxes. Because truck drivers live a primarily sedentary lifestyle and tend to eat an unhealthy fast food diet, they are more prone to being overweight — and therefore sleep apnea.

Treating Sleep Apnea For Safer Roads

One positive aspect of obstructive sleep apnea is that it is the most treatable. Losing weight through healthy diet and exercise is the most effective way to eliminate sleep apnea caused by obesity. But it doesn’t help patients or make roads safer in the interim. Some will never take the steps to lose weight thought they know they should. Those who diet and exercise will still suffer until the weight is lost.

Continuous positive airway pressure machines (CPAP machines) worn throughout the night splints the airway to prevent blockage and delivers a stream of compressed air through a CPAP mask. With a CPAP machine, the results are immediate. With apneas prevented, the patient can enjoy a full night of healthy sleep, waking rested and alert.

But though truck drivers suffering from sleep apnea should be using CPAP machines at night, how can anyone be certain they are? Trucking companies bear the greatest level of responsibility when it comes to ensuring and enforcing safe driving among their drivers. Advanced CPAP machines have the ability to monitor results and record them electronically – and even to send those results directly to the trucking company headquarters. Trucking companies can monitor who is using or not using their CPAP machines and even gauge the quality of the driver’s sleep. These companies are in the unique position to force drivers to comply with wearing their CPAP machines or else face penalties or even termination.

However, without pressure, many trucking companies are unlikely to integrate these regulations.

If you want to take action to drive change in the trucking company, be vocal. Write to your local congress person, contact trucking companies, or leverage the power of organizations like the National Sleep Foundation, the American College of Chest Physicians, and the American College of Occupation and Environment Medicine. By putting pressure on trucking companies to ensure the safety of their drivers, the roads will be a safer place for everyone.