Sleep Apnea May Be Prevalent Among Tennessee Truck Drivers
Next time you pass a fully loaded 18-wheeler, consider this: chances are good that the driver has a sleep disorder.
Australian researchers have found that 41 percent of Australian truck drivers suffer from obstructive sleep apnea, a sleep disorder characterized by interruption in breathing during sleep. Pauses in breathing can last up to ten seconds and occur hundreds of times during the night. The sleeper may be unaware of his breathing problems, but will suffer daytime sleepiness, irritability, concentration problems, and even microsleep episodes because of the disturbed sleep.
The study, “Assessing Sleepiness and Sleep Disorders in Australian Long-Distance Commercial Vehicle Drivers: Self-Report Versus an ‘At Home’ Monitoring Device” was published in the April 2012 issue of the journal SLEEP. When researchers interviewed 517 long-distance truck drivers, just over four percent admitted a diagnosis of sleep apnea. However, when researchers monitored truckers as they were sleeping at home, they found that 41percent actually had the sleep disorder.
Risk factors for sleep apnea:
- Cigarette smoking (49% of truck drivers)
- Obesity (50% of truck drivers)
- Overweight (36% of truck drivers)
This study measured sleep apnea in Australian drives; however, sleep apnea is just as common among U.S. commercial truck drivers. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is considering legislation that would require sleep apnea testing in all drivers with a body mass index of 35 or greater. A BMI of 30 or higher is considered obese.
Who is fault when a truck driver causes and accident while asleep behind the wheel? It depends on the circumstances. If you are injured in a Tennessee 18-wheeler accident, your Memphis trucking accident attorney will investigate every aspect of the crash and determine who is liable for your injuries. For more information, contact Bailey & Greer at 901-680-9777.
Since graduating magna cum laude in 2005 from the University of Memphis School of Law, Thomas has helped make a difference in the lives of victims of serious personal injury, wrongful death, and professional negligence. Thomas has extensive trial experience in both state and federal court. Among other victories in the courtroom, Thomas obtained several impressive jury verdicts and settlements
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