High Prevalence of Sleep-Related Issues Among Truck Drivers

A recent survey involving 905 Italian truck drivers has revealed that nearly half of them experience at least one sleep-related breathing issue that could lead to drowsiness while driving. This research was presented at the ERS 2019 conference in Madrid. Mr. Luca Roberti, President of Apnoici Italiani (the Italian Sleep Apnea Patient Association), has advocated for mandatory testing of drivers for sleep-related breathing conditions by European haulage companies.

Moral Responsibility of Haulage Companies

Mr. Roberti emphasized the significant moral and civic responsibility of companies since drivers operate heavy vehicles. Ensuring that employees are fit to drive and not susceptible to sudden sleep is vital and aligns with European Union regulations on driver’s license renewals for those suffering from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Understanding Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a prevalent condition characterized by the relaxation of throat tissues during sleep, leading to interrupted breathing. This can result in snoring, sleep disruptions, and fatigue during the day. Studies indicate that drivers suffering from sleep deprivation due to OSA are significantly more likely (up to 12 times) to be involved in accidents. EU Directive 2014/85/EU mandates medical evaluations for drivers with moderate to severe OSA before issuing or renewing licenses.

Study Methodology

The study, conducted in 2018 at the request of the Italian truck driver cooperative, Federtrasporti, involved interviews with truck drivers over 44 days, gathering data on height, weight, medical conditions, lifestyle, and sleep habits. Key questions included inquiries about snoring, sleep satisfaction, and daytime drowsiness.

Findings of the Survey

Of the participants, 887 were men and 17 were women, with an age range of 19 to 78 years, averaging 46 years. A staggering 77% were classified as overweight or obese. Nearly 10% reported instances of their partners noticing breathing interruptions during sleep, while 55% identified as habitual snorers. Additionally, 43% were at risk for OSA based on their responses to the survey.

Age and Obstructive Sleep Apnea Risk

The research found no direct link between age and OSA occurrence. However, it noted a rising trend in snoring with age: 43% of those under 35, 53% between 35-49, and 64% over 50 reported snoring. Roberti highlighted that the lifestyle of truck drivers, often involving prolonged sitting and poor diets, increases the likelihood of excessive daytime sleepiness and the risk of falling asleep at the wheel.

Call for Action and Further Research

Roberti urged haulage companies to implement mandatory screenings for sleep-related breathing disorders and to address drivers’ dietary habits. The researchers plan to extend their study to explore respiratory flow, sleep position, and oxygen levels during sleep in a subset of drive, which will help validate their initial findings.