Truck driving is a grueling job which often entails long hours and requires the driver to be alert and be able to react quickly. A driver can be on the road for days with their only rest being at a truck stop or on the side of the road. Lack of sleep can be a hazard 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 for the safety of their drivers and to maintain good productivity.

Sleep apnea is very common among truck drivers. This disorder is caused by the airway between the nose and lungs partially closing or collapsing during sleep. When sleeping, the muscles that control the airway become relaxed allowing this to happen. A partially closed airway may cause very loud snoring and a closed airway will prevent the sufferer from breathing for an extended period of time. Symptoms include pauses in breathing, loud snoring, choking or gasping while sleeping, concentration issues, mood swings and irritability. This can be a very dangerous disorder and should be treated as soon as it is detected. A regular physician can determine sleep apnea exists by looking at medical history and performing an examination.

Insomnia is another disorder that can affect a truck driver and their performance. This disorder occurs when someone cannot get proper sleep over an extended 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 changes in mood. To treat this disorder, the cause must first be determined and then treated by medication or some other method.

Restless Leg Syndrome or RLS is becoming a more common sleep disorder also. RLS is normally inherited and is caused by low levels of a chemical called dopamine which the brain uses to transmit messages to other parts of the body. A person with RLS will have trouble sleeping due to discomfort and pain in the legs and arms. Sometimes their arms and legs will twitch involuntary and prevent sleep as well. Symptoms include an overwhelming urge to move legs and discomfort in the legs and arms. The symptoms are worse at night and can often be temporarily relieved with rubbing, massage, or movement. Normally medication is given for treatment.

Other disorders such as narcolepsy, circadian rhythm disorders, and snoring can cause sleep deprivation and other issues as well. When not treated, these types of disorders can create unsafe conditions for the driver and everyone they share the road with. They can also cause other serious health conditions such as high blood pressure, heart failure, hypertension, and even possibly a heart attack. It is very important to recognize sleep disorder types and symptoms. Any driver who thinks they have a sleeping problem should see their personal doctor or consult their employer for assistance. This way their life as well as others will not be affected due to something that could have been treated.
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