The diagnosis of sleep apnea among long-haul truckers is important because the daytime drowsiness caused by the condition can lead to fatal accidents. According to a new European study as many as 40% of truck drivers may have sleep apnea but that they may be under-reporting their daytime sleepiness.

The study looked at a group of people including truck drivers and non-commercial drivers. All of the study participants had sleep apnea and similar ages, weights and sleep disturbances. When asked to gauge their daytime sleepiness on a questionnaire the researchers found that the commercial drivers reported a lower score (less sleepiness) than the non-commercial drivers.

A previous Australian study had shown that most long distance truck drivers were unaware of their sleep apnea. In that study only 4.4% of drivers said they had been diagnosed with sleep apnea but over 40% had the problem!

Driving while drowsy is getting more and more attention. Sleep apnea can be especially dangerous on the road because of the extreme daytime sleepiness that accompanies the condition. Combine drowsy driving with a loaded 18-wheeler and the results can be catastrophic. Even people who are not long-haul truckers experience a higher rate of accidents due to untreated sleep apnea.

If you experience daytime sleepiness please contact Columbus, OH sleep apnea dentist Dr. Mark Levy at StoneRidge Dental Care today at 614-476-6696. We’ll be happy to arrange a screening appointment and explain how an oral appliance can help you breath easily through the night and regain your lost energy.