Abstract
Commercial drivers, including pilots, suffering from untreated sleep-related disorders endanger many lives. This puts them at risk of increased daytime somnolence. Through this brief communication, we urge the authorities to make the sleep study mandatory for these drivers to diagnose underlying sleep disorders like sleep apnea.
Keywords: Sleep study, Sleep apnea
Sleep apnea is characterized by recurrent episodes of partial or complete upper airway obstruction during sleep, leading to fragmented sleep patterns and a host of health issues, including excessive daytime sleepiness. The detrimental consequences of untreated sleep apnea on individual health are well-documented, but it is the potential impact on public safety that has become a subject of increasing concern [1].
Numerous studies have demonstrated a significant link between sleep apnea and daytime sleepiness-related accidents in both road and aviation settings [2, 3]. It is alarming to note that the risk of accidents among individuals with untreated sleep apnea can be comparable to that of drivers impaired by alcohol or drugs [2]. Moreover, daytime sleepiness among pilots has been shown to compromise alertness and response times, which are critical for aviation safety [4].
One major challenge in addressing this issue lies in identifying affected individuals. Traditionally, sleep apnea screening has been based on BMI criteria, assuming a higher prevalence among individuals with obesity. However, it is becoming increasingly evident that sleep apnea can affect individuals across a wide range of body mass indexes [5]. Therefore, relying solely on BMI-based screening could miss many at-risk drivers and pilots.
To ensure the safety of all road users and aviation passengers, we strongly urge the authorities and relevant regulatory bodies to consider implementing mandatory sleep study testing for all heavy motor vehicle drivers and pilots, irrespective of their BMI. This approach will enable the early detection and appropriate management of sleep apnea, reducing the risk of daytime sleepiness-related accidents and safeguarding public safety.
By making sleep study testing a prerequisite for commercial driver’s license or pilot certification, we can significantly mitigate the potential dangers posed by untreated sleep apnea. Additionally, this initiative could encourage affected individuals to seek treatment and improve their overall health and quality of life. Currently the countries of Canada, USA and European Union have mandated a sleep screening for heavy motor vehicle drivers, via questionnaires and level III sleep study. A diagnosed sleep apnea patient can only drive after proving cure or CPAP compliance of > 4 h a week for > 70% of the days [6, 7].
We sincerely hope that the scientific community and policymakers can collaboratively address this critical issue and prioritize public safety. The evidence supporting the association of sleep apnea with daytime sleepiness-related accidents is substantial, and timely action is essential to prevent further escalation of motor accidents.
Author Contributions
Original idea was thought by AK. First draft was prepared by AK, and further edited by SKS. AK is the guarantor for this piece. The corresponding author attests that all listed authors meet authorship criteria and that no others meeting the criteria have been omitted. All named authors have seen and agreed to the submitted version of the paper; the material is original, unpublished and has not been submitted elsewhere.
Declarations
Competing interests
We have read and understood the journal policy on declaration of interests and declare that we have no competing interests. This work is not funded by anyone.
Ethical Approval
Was not required for this work.
Conflict of interest
None.
Research Involving Human Participants and/or Animals
No.
Informed Consent
Not applicable.
Footnotes
Publisher’s Note
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References
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