One thing for sure is that it is better to be diagnosed and treated than do nothing at all!
With the newest studies, one out of three truck drivers have mild to severe sleep apnea. In reality, about 26 percent of adults between the ages of 30 and 70 have sleep apnea (In North America).
What is sleep apnea?
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) occurs when a person’s breathing sometimes stops during sleep due to throat muscles that relax, meaning they stop breathing. Basically, you do not rest and build your strength for the next day because you are not sleeping properly likely you are snoring so much and not breathing properly, therefore you do not get a deep restful sleep (REM)
Sleep apnea can result in:
- Headaches
- Difficulty concentrating
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
How is sleep apnea treated?
The most common treatment for sleep apnea is the continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. A CPAP machine is a device worn during sleep that increases the air pressure in your throat so your airway doesn’t collapse when you breathe in, allowing you to get the deep, restorative sleep needed.
Many CPAP companies have designed machines specially outfitted for their trucks. These new machines have no need for an inverter or additional power source.
After using a CPAP machine, people with sleep apnea feel more refreshed and rested. Some also experience improvement in other medical conditions such as cardiac issues, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
A truck driver puts on a CPAP machine by placing the mask over his nose and securing the straps behind his head.
What are the risks of untreated sleep apnea?
Possible risks include:
- Fatigue
- Cardiac risk
- Hypertension
- Irritability
- Erectile dysfunction
- Depression
Can you drive a truck if you have sleep apnea?
Yes. If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea and your doctor told you that you need to treat it, you can continue to drive as long as you are compliant with treatment.
Will sleep apnea affect your CDL?
Your sleep apnea will likely result in a DOT medical certification card only being issued for one year instead of the possible two years.
As long as you follow your doctor’s advice and follow their instructions for treatment, there should not be a problem given a medical certification and keeping your CDL.
Can you lose your license if you have sleep apnea?
As long as you follow your doctor’s advice and follow their instructions for treatment, there should not be a problem given a medical certification and keeping your CDL.
and given a DOT medical certification, which is required when driving in interstate commerce.
If you are denied a medical certification, the government can downgrade your CDL as a result. Leaving you without your license to drive semi-trucks.
The best advice anyone can give is if you have any questions or maybe feel like maybe you may suffer from sleep apnea is to talk to your doctor and follow through with the testing and results.
