Truck driving is a stressful job that often involves long hours and requires the driver to be alert and able to react quickly. A driver can be on the road for days with only rest in a truck stop or on the side of the road. Lack of sleep can be a danger to the driver and anyone else on the road. Sleep disorders make driving more dangerous and should be treated immediately. Many companies are implementing programs that help detect and treat sleep disorders over the safety of their drivers and for good productivity.
Sleep apnea is very common among truck drivers. This disorder is caused by the airway between the nose and lungs partially close or collapse during sleep. During sleep, the muscles that control of the airways to relax allowing this to happen. One of the partially closed airway can cause very loud snoring and a closed airway prevent the victim from breathing for a prolonged period of time. Symptoms include breathing pauses, loud snoring, choking or gasping during sleep, concentration problems, mood swings and irritability. This can be a very dangerous condition and should be treated as soon as detected. A regular doctor can determine sleep apnea exists by looking at the history and an examination.
Insomnia is another disorder that can affect a truck driver and performance. It occurs when someone can not get a good rest for a prolonged period of time. It can be caused by fatigue, psychological and physiological problems. Insomnia is more common when a person is stressed, anxious or depressed. Symptoms include difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, daytime fatigue, depression, anxiety and mood swings. To treat this disorder, the cause must be determined first and then treated with drugs or some other method.
Restless legs syndrome or RLS is becoming a more common sleep disorder as well. The SPI is usually inherited and is caused by low levels of a chemical called dopamine that the brain uses to transmit messages to other parts of the body. A person with RLS have trouble sleeping due to discomfort and pain in the legs and arms. Sometimes, arms and legs and prevent involuntary sleep well. Symptoms include an urgent need to move the legs and pains in the legs and arms. The symptoms are worse at night and can often be temporarily relieved by rubbing, massage, or stroke. Usually given medication for treatment.
Other diseases such as narcolepsy, circadian rhythm disorders and snoring can cause sleep deprivation and other issues as well. When untreated, such conditions may create unsafe conditions for the driver and all who share the road with. It can also cause other serious health problems like high blood pressure, heart failure, hypertension, and even possibly a heart attack. It is very important to recognize the types of sleep problems and symptoms. Any driver who thinks he has a sleep problem should consult their doctor or consult your employer for assistance. This way your life and others will not be affected because of something that could have been treated.
