Sleep Apnea and Truck Drivers – Understanding the Risks and Solutions

Recently updated on August 12th, 2024

Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that affects millions across the world. Sleep apnea is typically characterized by frequent and abrupt interruptions to breathing during sleep, which leads to very poor sleep quality and excessive sleepiness during the day.

Sleep apnea affects truck drivers who work in an industry that demands long hours behind the wheel with high levels of alertness and concentration. While there are federal laws in place that limit the number of hours a driver can spend on the road in a given period of time, sleep apnea does not fall under these regulations, so drivers may find themselves dangerously fatigued even while staying within the Hours of Service — whether due to sleep apnea or any number of other factors.

This article will dive into the risks associated with truck driving with sleep apnea, and get into some possible solutions that can help make your life on the road safe, healthy, and productive.

Sleep Apnea: A Brief Overview

According to a study by Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, up to 47% of truck drivers in the United States have sleep apnea, a staggering number when compared to the 6.62% of the total American population with sleep apnea. Given this statistic, it’s clear that sleep apnea is a significant problem with the trucking industry in terms of both health and safety.

Signs You May Have Sleep Apnea

The following are just a few indications that you might have sleep apnea:

• Loud snoring
• Frequent pauses in breathing while asleep
• Choking or gasping during sleep
• Waking up with a sore throat or very dry throat/mouth
• Frequent urination during the night
• Morning headaches
• Memory loss or trouble concentrating
• Constant fatigue no matter how much time asleep

The Risks

As you can imagine, any health issue that impacts sleep and restfulness comes with significant risks, particularly for truck drivers who spend long hours on the road, where a single instance of nodding off can be catastrophic.

Increased Accident Risk

Sleep apnea causes excessive daytime sleepiness, a major issue for driving accidents. According to the FMCSA, many studies show that truck drivers with untreated sleep apnea have a significantly higher risk of serious and preventable crashes.

Health Complications

Aside from the health issues that a truck accident can lead to, those who suffer from sleep apnea are also more likely to suffer from high blood pressure and diabetes. Both of these conditions can further complicate a driver’s overall health and their ability to safely perform their jobs.

License Suspension

If a truck driver is diagnosed with sleep apnea and does not take the proper steps to address it, they may have their CDL suspended. While sleep apnea isn’t specifically addressed in FMCSA provisions, a driver with a “medical history or clinical diagnosis of any condition likely to interfere with their ability to drive safely cannot be medically qualified to operate a commercial motor vehicle.”

Drivers can apply for a medical clearance once they have developed a management plan and have successfully treated their sleep apnea.

Solutions for Truck Drivers

The good news is that sleep apnea is generally treatable, and solutions can come along on the road with you. Solutions range from medical devices to lifestyle changes, and each comes along with a comprehensive management program to keep the condition from creeping back in.

Medical Devices

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy is the gold standard for treating sleep apnea and uses a machine that delivers a consistent and steady stream of air through a mask during sleep. This keeps the airway open at all times. Another medical device is used in Oral Appliance therapy, which uses a device worn in the mouth that prevents airway collapse.

Comprehensive Management

A comprehensive management plan starts with a screening, which could include questionnaires, physical exams, or preliminary tests. After that, there will be an official diagnosis that may involve a sleep study either at home or in a sleep lab.

A medical professional will develop a plan based on a number of factors, including the severity of the conditions and the patient’s preferences. Treatment may involve lifestyle changes, CPAP, oral appliances, or in some severe cases, surgery.

Once an action plan has been put in place, the patient will have regular follow-ups to monitor the ongoing effectiveness of the treatment, making adjustments as necessary. This may look like regular doctor visits, telehealth services, or even remote monitoring of CPAP usage.

Patients are often advised to change their lifestyle in ways including weight loss, quitting smoking, regular exercise, reducing or eliminating alcohol, modifying sleep positions to allow for more airflow and other ways to stay healthy on the road.

Conclusion

Sleep apnea poses significant risks for truck drivers that include an increased risk of crashes, significant health issues, and potential license suspensions that will cause problems with job security — as well as a diminished quality of life. The good news is that there are a number of effective solutions and treatments available that can help you get back on the road safely and with a better quality of life overall.

Treatments include CPAP machines and other medical devices, as well as management plans, lifestyle changes, and ongoing screenings and testing to continuously monitor the condition.

Early detection is very important for managing and addressing sleep apnea effectively. If you are a truck driver and suspect that you may have sleep apnea, make sure that you seek help as soon as possible to stay safe on the road. Contact your healthcare provider and discuss the next steps. Managing your sleep apnea will improve your health and your safety on the road and ultimately enhance your quality of life.