Occupational Diseases: Updated Sleep Apnea Screening Recommended

Trucking Info reports that new recommendations have been released by a joint task force about how to screen for sleep apnea in commercial truck drivers. The suggestions include a more thorough screening and evaluation process, modified criteria for returning to work after treatment, and follow-up and re-certification procedures. “Sleepiness and inattention contribute to a significant number of CMV crashes each year and OSA has been shown to significantly increase a driver’s risk of driving drowsy. Yet, current CMV screening and treatment procedures for OSA are ambiguous and not reflective of the latest advancements in the diagnosis and management of OSA,” said Dr. Nancy Collop of the American College of Chest Physicians.

The review was based on an extensive review of the latest sleep apnea research and existing medical guides. Sleep apnea is defined as partial of complete obstruction of upper airway tissues during sleep. This results in sleep disruption, gas exchange abnormalities, and cardiovascular changes. Such problems often are of concern because these drivers are at a much higher risk of causing accidents while driving.