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August 27, 2020

Sleep Apnea, Your Health, The Effect on Your Profession

The lifestyle of a truck driver is not for everyone and sleep apnea can easily creep in to further complicate things.  The hours can be irregular and long. Drivers sit for extended periods of time with little physical activity.  Many of them have a diet high in sodium and fat thanks to the convenience of fast food.  While this lifestyle isn’t glamorous, it is rewarding and doesn’t have to be detrimental to the drivers’ health with the proper diet, exercise, sleep, and routine check-ups. 

Explaining Sleep Apnea

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is extremely common, however, growing obesity rates in the truck driving industry, have left drivers more exposed to acquiring it.   OSA occurs when a person’s breathing becomes obstructed during sleep due to throat muscles that relax intermittently, meaning they stop breathing.  This results in a person not reaching the full restorative REM sleep cycle.

What Does This Mean for Truck Drivers

According to the Federal Motor Safety Administration (FMCSA} reports show that over 28% of truck drivers have sleep apnea.  Those with mild sleep apnea are still qualified for truck driving jobs.  However, they must see a medical examiner to determine their fitness to operate a motor vehicle.

Disrupted sleep can decrease a truck driver’s cognitive function and cause increased daytime sleepiness.  This leads to more truck driving accidents.  While driving any vehicle requires an alert driver, truck drivers are typically going down the highway at the tune of 50 – 80 thousand pounds.  Reaction time is key and lessened if the driver is groggy.

Disrupted sleep can decrease a truck driver’s cognitive function and cause increased daytime sleepiness.  This leads to more truck driving accidents.  While driving any vehicle requires an alert driver, truck drivers are typically going down the highway at the tune of 50 – 80 thousand pounds.  Reaction time is key and lessened if the driver is groggy.

Sleepiness, dull response time, and lack of concentration are all side effects of sleep apnea.  A crash can occur in the blink of an eye.  Current times have proven that the country depends on truck drivers to deliver goods that we use in every aspect of our lives.  Sleep apnea can hinder the driver’s ability to function safely. 

Drivers can still drive commercial vehicles if they have been diagnosed with sleep apnea as long as they are compliant with their treatment.  This means they may only be granted a year on their Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC).  However, if they are not compliant, they could be denied the MEC and lose their CDL.  Bring your CPAP compliance log to all future DOT physicals. Safety is first and foremost.

DOT Physical Grand Junction

Risk Factors for Sleep Apnea

Several risk factors can increase the development of sleep apnea.  This condition does not fully discriminate.  This condition can affect both men and women, though men are at a greater risk.  While sleep apnea can occur in those of average weight, those who are obese are four-times more likely to incur it.

Smoking can increase a person’s chances of this condition because of the possible fluid retention and inflammation often brought on by cigarette smoke.

Alcohol and pain medications can relax the muscle tissue in the throat, also elevating the risk of sleep apnea.

Sitting in a truck all day, easily contributes to poor posture and results in alignment issues with the cervical spine.  This mis-alignement is another contributing factor.

Those with a larger neck are more prone to sleep apnea.

Lastly, this condition can also run in some families.

Recognizing the Symptoms

The main symptom of sleep apnea is excessive daytime sleepiness.  Additional symptoms of sleep apnea include the following:

  • The size of the neck
  • Restless Sleep
  • Loud snoring with brief periods of silence followed by gasps
  • Falling asleep during the day
  • Morning headaches
  • Trouble concentrating
  • Irritability, mood or behavior changes
  • Forgetfulness
  • Anxiety and depression

Should you be experiencing three or more of these symptoms, it would be wise of you to consult a physician.

Sleep Apnea DOT Physical

What if it Goes Untreated

There are further risks involved if sleep apnea gets ignored.  Possible risks include:

  • Chronic fatigue
  • Cardiac risk
  • Hypertension
  • Irritability
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Depression
  • May lose your CDL

Take Action

Now that you better understand sleep apnea, you can become proactive in addressing the issues that can contribute to this condition; sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, and healthier choices.  We encourage you to check out our Trucker Transformation program at www.truckertransformation.com. We developed this program and believe it is the best method to support truck drivers prior to them actually incurring additional health issues. 

Or, if you want to join a group of drivers supporting each other on their weight loss journey, click HERE to join our free Trucker Transformation weight loss group.

However, if you have already been diagnosed, the most common treatment for sleep apnea is the continuous positive airway pressure machine.  A CPAP machine is a device worn during sleep that increases the air pressure in the throat so the airway doesn’t collapse when breathing in, allowing the deep restorative sleep needed.  Be compliant with your treatment and you will be able to continue your profession.

Keep yourself safe as well as others on the road and see your doctor if you feel you have undiagnosed sleep apnea or the symptoms.

For More Information

Click HERE to hear more about OSA from the FMCSA.

When you need a DOT or CDL Physical in Grand Junction or Fruita Colorado, you can schedule online by clicking HERE

First Aid Occupational Health provides the most affordable and smoothest DOT experience in Grand Junction. You can call for more information at 970-712-8193.

Click HERE to Schedule a DOT Physical in Grand Junction

Trucker Transformation

Filed Under: DOT & FMCSA News Tagged With: CDL Exam CDL Physical, DOT Physical, Grand Junction, Sleep Apnea

February 10, 2017

6 Ways Truck Drivers Can Get Restful Sleep

6 Ways Truck Drivers Can Get Restful Sleep (and improve sleep apnea without a CPAP or drugs)!

Many commercial drivers face the challenge of managing consistent sleep.  On top of that, some even struggle with sleep apnea. With overnight drives, social isolation, and inconsistent working hours, drivers who have obstructive sleep apnea are still driving through sleeplessness.  As a result, the driver can fall asleep at the wheel, culminating in deadly crashes and incurring major equipment and infrastructure costs.  

Some drivers sleep with a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Therapy (CPAP) machine to get adequate sleep to help prevent them from falling asleep at the wheel. Some drivers use anti-sleep drugs while driving and sleep-aid drugs for sleeping.  However, these drugs might cause some severe health issues – and even addiction. First Aid Occupational Health, your DOT Physical exam specialist, has some natural methods for drivers to help reduce sleeping challenges.

Ensure a proper sleeping position

For long haulers, drivers can become over-tired, making it hard to fall asleep. Thus, the first thing a driver can address is her or her sleeping posture. Try to elevate your head slightly and sleep on your side.  This can reduce snoring and sleep disruptions.

Use a humidifier

In dry areas, when a humidifier is running while you are sleeping, breathing can become easier, lessening the chances of snoring, which can cause sleeping disruptions. Also, consider adding a diffuser with your favorite essential oil scent, as it can calm your body and muscles for more sound sleep.

Lose weight

Being overweight is one of the major causes of sleep apnea.  By its nature, driving limits physical activity and it’s easy to consume extra food and put on weight. When you stop for a break, try doing a brisk 10-minute walk around the truck stop to get the blood pumping.  

Reduce or eliminate tobacco and alcohol products

Both tobacco and alcohol cause the release of hormones just like a fight or flight situation. This can place the body in an active mode, making falling asleep and getting restful sleep a chore. Ensure you have a wind-down period in which there is no substance consumption before sleeping.

Choose healthier food options

Some drivers have heartburn and digestion problems as a result of poor food choices on the road.  This makes it hard to sleep. Try replacing a processed sugar snack by pre-planning.  Have healthy whole food options on hand during your trip such as fresh fruit, avocados, or crunchy vegetables like carrots or broccoli in order to reduce heartburn and digestion problems.  

Hire a Health Coach

Did you know that First Aid Occupational Health now has a certified health and wellness coaching program to help improve your health while you’re on the road? Health coaches help you set weekly goals and help hold you accountable so you can achieve your goals. Coaching call help you implement the strategies mentioned in this article. Call (970) 812-3864 today for a free consultation or visit www.firstaidocchealth.com to inquire.  Your company may even pay for the program!

Filed Under: DOT & FMCSA News Tagged With: CDL Physical, Commercial Driving, DOT Physical Grand Junction Montrose Delta Rifle Glenwood, Sleep Apnea

August 22, 2016

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Requirements

Obstructive sleep apnea is a breathing-related sleep disorder. It affects your sleep, daytime alertness, and performance. If it is left untreated it may be more difficult to stay awake, react quickly, or focus your eyes. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has obstructive sleep apnea requirements in place to ensure the safety of the DOT driver as well as the other drivers on the road. The FMCSA has more information on sleep apnea such as risk factors and symptoms in this article. With a diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea, you will need to be recertified at least annually.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Requirements DOT Exam Grand Junction

Requirements

When you come in for your DOT Physical we recommend you bring:

  1. Medical opinion letter from treating physician
  2. Compliance Log – If you do not know how to retrieve this log from your CPAP machine please call your medical device representative for further assistance
  3. A list of medications with the correct dosage and prescribing physician

 

 

 

Disqualifications include:

  1. Moderate to severe sleep apnea
  2. Non-compliant with CPAP treatment
  3. You have experienced a crash associated with falling asleep
  4. You are experiencing excessive sleepiness while driving

Schedule Your DOT Physical Exam in Grand Junction

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Requirements DOT Exam Grand Junction

Here is how the process works:

  1. Register and pay for your exam by clicking here
  2. Arrive ready to complete minimal paperwork
  3. We’ll do a thorough examination and determine your certification length
  4. Also, you have the option of having us recommend wellness strategies that’ll improve your health

Make life easier by registering and paying for your DOT Physical in Grand Junction, Colorado at www.dotgj.com and save $10

Filed Under: DOT & FMCSA News Tagged With: CDL Physical, Delta, DOT Physical, DOT Physical Grand Junction Montrose Delta Rifle Glenwood, Sleep Apnea

April 15, 2016

Sleep Apnea Prevention

Sleep apnea is a restriction of the airway in the back of the throat either partly or completely restricted. When this happens you may observe some sleepiness, snoring, and obesity which could prevent you from getting a two year certificate at you DOT physical. However, there are some sleep apnea prevention tips to ensure that sleep apnea is not an issue.Sleep Apnea Prevention

Lifestyle Modifications –

  1. Weight Loss
  2. Reduce alcohol consumption
  3. Avoid medicines that make you tired
  4. Quit smoking
  5. Reducing blood pressure
  6. Sleep on your side instead of your back in order to help keep your throat open – Read more at Sleep Health Foundation
Sleep Apnea Prevention
Sleep Apnea Prevention

Making lifestyle modifications will help prevent sleep apnea and reduce the likelihood of needing a CPAP, mouth pieces, or surgery but should be discussed with your doctor in order to make sure you have the correct diagnosis. To understand more about how sleep apnea is treated read this article from National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.

If your doctor suggests you have Obstructive Sleep Apnea they’ll require you to have a sleep study to measure the quality of sleep.  If you’re currently using a CPAP at night because you have a diagnosis of Obstructive Sleep Apnea you will want to print off your you can read this forum to see if there are any good suggestions or call your medical device company.  They’ll know how to print if off for you.

We know you’re busy and when you need a DOT physical we’re here to help.  If you’re able to pay online and register this saves you $10 and a bunch of time when you arrive to your exam. Reducing stress while driving is important and we wish to help by providing an easy process for your DOT physical in Grand Junction.

Learn Sleep Apnea Prevention plus Schedule Your DOT Physical Exam in Grand Junction

Here is how the process works:

  1. Register and pay for your exam by clicking here
  2. Arrive ready to complete minimal paperwork
  3. We’ll do a thorough examination and determine your certification length
  4. You have the option of having us recommend wellness strategies that’ll improve your health

To make your life easier you can register and pay for your DOT Physical in Grand Junction, Colorado at www.dotgj.com plus save $

 

Filed Under: DOT & FMCSA News Tagged With: Delta, DOT Physical, DOT Physical Grand Junction Montrose Delta Rifle Glenwood, Grand Junction, Montrose, Rifle, Sleep Apnea

April 12, 2016

Honesty at your DOT Physical

Honesty at Your DOT Physical

Were you aware that your honesty at your DOT physical is a life or death matter?  Most vehicles used by commercial drivers are significantly larger than family transportation vehicles and when driven by an unhealthy driver can become a deadly vehicle.

Please watch this CBS story for examples of how dishonest drivers have caused significant harm and death to other motorists.

It mentions how in 4 states there are close to 100 accidents per year caused by medical problems.  This is far too many and our whether you like it or not the federal government and medical providers are paying attention to these statistics.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea is one of the biggest concerns for the FMCSA and certified medical examiners.  This is a condition that causes pauses in breathing at night or shallow breathing.  This leads to poor sleep quality and sleepy drivers who have a hard time staying awake at the wheel.

The physical characteristics that your medical examiner will pay attention to are:

  1. Your weight & your height.  The shorter and rounder you are the more likely there will a physical obstruction in your airway.
  2. Your blood pressure.  An elevated blood pressure alone doesn’t mean someone has sleep apnea but when combined with other characteristics it usually suggests a diagnosis.
  3. Large neck girth.  A large bulking neck is usually an outward physical sign of an airway that is too constricted to allow for quality oxygen exchange.
Honesty at your DOT Physical
Honesty at your DOT Physical

If your doctor suggests you have Obstructive Sleep Apnea they’ll require you to have a sleep study to measure the quality of sleep.  If you’re currently using a CPAP at night because you have a diagnosis of Obstructive Sleep Apnea you will want to print off your you can read this forum to see if there are any good suggestions or call your medical device company.  They’ll know how to print if off for you.

We’re here to help you with you DOT physical in Grand Junction Colorado.  We want to see people healthy and working.  We do our best to make your DOT physical a stress free event every two years.  Please stay tuned for ways to help your Obstructive Sleep Apnea naturally.

Schedule Your DOT Physical Exam in Grand Junction

Here is how the process works:

  1. Register and pay for your exam by clicking here
  2. Arrive ready to complete minimal paperwork
  3. We’ll do a thorough examination and determine your certification length
  4. You have the option of having us recommend wellness strategies that’ll improve your health

To make your life easier you can register and pay for your DOT Physical in Grand Junction, Colorado at www.dotgj.com plus save $

Filed Under: DOT & FMCSA News Tagged With: Delta, DOT Physical, DOT Physical Grand Junction Montrose Delta Rifle Glenwood, Grand Junction, Montrose, Rifle, Sleep Apnea

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Company Info

First Aid Occupational Health
2140 N 12th
Grand Junction, CO 81501

tel. (970) 712-8193

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