Trucking companies have a notoriously high number of overweight people driving trucks, and with more people becoming aware of the dangers of sleep apnea, companies are beginning to screen drivers for sleep apnea.
Since sleep apnea develops in seriously overweight people, trucking companies are beginning to treat drivers that may be suffering from the sleep problem. People who suffer from sleep apnea often suffer from sleep apnea symptoms like being tired during the day and not being able to make it through the day without a nap.
This can be dangerous for people whose occupation involves driving a multi-ton commercial truck. Drivers are already regulated, and are not supposed to drive more than 11 hours without a 10 hour break, but this might not be enough for victims of sleep apnea.
Trucking companies believe that by identifying drivers with sleep apnea and treating the problem, they may be able to cut down on truck accidents. If a driver is falling asleep at the wheel because they are suffering from sleep apnea at night, it poses a serious danger on the road.
If you would like to find out if you or your sleeping partner is suffering from sleep apnea, please contact Dr. Ira Shapira in Gurnee Illinois to schedule a complete sleep apnea evaluation.
Obstructive sleep apnea affects around 20 million Americans and can lead to hypertension, heart attack, stroke, depression, muscle pain, fibromyalgia, morning headaches, and excessive daytime sleepiness.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Trucking Companies Testing Drivers For Sleep Apnea
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