Statistics show that 1 in 8 people suffer from a sleep disorder – a statistic that is increasing drastically with each passing year. If you suffer from sleep apnea you know well the constant feeling of fatigue and drowsiness. It can be more difficult to accomplish what we set out to do, even when we know the task is well within our means. Concentration is affected, irritability increases, and drowsiness continues. It can be troubling for spouses who worry about their partner who struggles with restricted breathing and broken periods of sleep. Quality of sleep affects our waking life and hampers our ability to function at our best.
When you’re behind the wheel of a 30-ton vehicle, it can be more worrisome. According to a recent study, 28 percent of truckers are affected by some form of sleep apnea. What’s more worrisome still is that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration urges the disqualification of drivers who suffer from sleep apnea unless the condition is being treated. They also encourage that a driver be disqualified if they are suspected of having the condition until it has been ruled out or treated.
Of course, no one wants to be without work for any period, especially in this economy. However, when you are operating a large motor vehicle, agencies want to make sure everyone on the road is safe. While these restrictions can seem unfair, their intentions are to protect the travelling public. It is shown that about 15 percent of fatal single-truck accidents are caused by fatigue. To protect yourself, consult your doctor if you think you may have sleep apnea or a related sleep disorder. While this is no substitute for the advice of a medical professional, here’s a short quiz to help you determine if you may have a sleep disorder.
If you feel that you may have sleep apnea, a recent study identified some perks of getting treated. The study revealed that those who were treated for sleep apnea had fewer days of missed work and lower annual medical costs than those who were not treated. Above all, wouldn’t it be nice to sleep well and know that you were at your best?
