Some Sleep Issues That May Influence A Driver’s Capability and Make Them Unsafe

Truck driving is a grueling job which frequently entails long hours and requires the driver to remain alert and be able to react quickly. A driver could be on the highway for several days with their only rest being at a truck stop or on the side of the road. Lack of sleep could be a hazard to the driver and other people on the highway. Sleep disorders make driving more dangerous and should be treated immediately. A lot of companies are implementing programs that help detect and treat sleep disorders for that safety of their drivers and also to maintain good productivity. Sleep apnea is very widespread among truck drivers. This disorder is brought on by the airway between your nose and lungs partially closing or collapsing during sleep. When sleeping, the muscles that control the airway become relaxed allowing this to occur. A partially closed airway could cause very loud snoring and a closed airway may prevent the sufferer from breathing to have an extended time period. Symptoms include pauses in breathing, loud snoring, choking or gasping while sleeping, concentration issues, moodiness and irritability. This is often a really dangerous disorder and should be treated the moment it’s detected. A normal physician can determine if sleep apnea exists by looking at medical history and performing an examination. Insomnia is another disorder that can affect a truck driver and their performance. This disorder occurs when someone cannot get proper sleep over a long period of time. It may be brought on by fatigue, psychological, and physiological problems. Insomnia is much more common whenever a person is stressed, anxious, or depressed. Symptoms include difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, daytime fatigue, depression, anxiety, and alterations in mood. To deal with this disorder, the cause must first be determined and then treated by medication or another method. Restless Leg Syndrome or RLS is becoming a more common sleep problem also. RLS is normally inherited and is caused by lower levels of a chemical called dopamine which the brain uses to transmit messages with other parts of the body. A person who has RLS may have sleep problems due to discomfort and pain in the legs and arms. Sometimes their legs and arms will twitch involuntary and stop sleep as well. Symptoms include an overwhelming urge to move legs and discomfort in the legs and arms. The symptoms are worse through the night and may often be temporarily relieved with rubbing, massage, or movement. Normally medication is given for treatment. Other disorders for example narcolepsy, circadian rhythm disorders, and snoring can cause sleep deprivation and other issues too. When not treated, these kinds of disorders can create unsafe conditions for the driver and everyone they share the street with. They can also cause other serious health conditions such as high blood pressure, heart failure, as well as possibly heart disease. It is crucial to identify sleep disorder types and symptoms. Any driver who thinks they have a sleeping problem should see their personal doctor or consult their employer for assistance. This way their life as well as others will not be affected due to something which might have been treated. Common sleep disorders such as sleep apnea can greatly impair a truck driver’s capability to handle and maintain their vehicle properly and safely on the road. Many of these disorders have noticeable symptoms. If a driver believes they may be suffering from a sleeping disorder, they should consult their physician or employer to receive the necessary testing and treatment. Visit FusionSleep.com for more information on sleep issues.