Our bodies require sleep to function properly and to drive safely. But what if someone isn’t getting enough sleep due to a sleeping disorder? Unfortunately, many people in this country suffer from sleep apnea, which is a sleep disorder characterized by shallow breathing or pauses in breathing while sleeping. This can leave those affected with headaches, depression, and a feeling of drowsiness.
Interestingly enough, many people are unaware that they have sleep apnea. What’s frightening is that many commercial truck drivers are also unaware they suffer from sleep apnea. A recent study in the journal SLEEP confirmed this fact – a large percentage of truck drivers did not know they had sleep apnea. The results of the study included:
- 517 long-distance truck drivers were tested
- 4.4 percent told researchers they had been diagnosed with sleep apnea
- Test results showed that 41 percent of truck drivers in this group had sleep apnea
The study causes concern because sleep apnea can lead to drowsy driving, which can cause Florida truck accidents and injuries, including potentially serious or even fatal injuries. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration details the dangers of sleep apnea here.
Another Sleep Apnea Study Finds…
Recently, a preliminary study presented at the European Respiratory Society’s Annual Congress revealed that commercial drivers are more likely to underestimate their level of fatigue than are those who aren’t commercial vehicle drivers. So, are truckers underreporting sleep apnea symptoms for fear of losing their jobs and licenses? The study’s researchers believe so, but it “is very difficult to prove,” said study researcher Dr. Werner Strobel.
If you suffered injuries in a Florida truck wreck, call a Sarasota injury lawyer about your rights at Mallard Perez at 888-409-3805 and receive a complimentary consultation today.