Sleep apnea is characterized by shallow or interrupted breathing during sleep. It can result in chronic fatigue, inattentiveness, and poor response—serious conditions for the professional semi truck driver that may lead to accidents. As many as 28% of commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders have sleep apnea, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
Anyone can develop obstructive sleep apnea but certain physical characteristics and lifestyle changes put some individuals at greater risk.
Risk factors:
• Family history of sleep apnea
• Small upper airway
• Overweight
• Small jaw, recessed chin, or large overbite
• Large neck
---17 inches or greater for men
---16 inches or greater for women
• Smoking
• Alcohol use
• Age 40 or older
• High blood pressure
• Ethnicity
Symptoms:
• Loud snoring
• Morning headaches
• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Observed episodes during sleep when breathing stops
• Awakened abruptly with shortness of breath
• Difficulty concentrating and remembering
• Irritable or depressed
• Problems falling asleep
• Problems keeping high blood pressure under control
To get more information after your or a family member has been hurt in a semi truck accident in Illinios, fill out the form on this website and get your FREE "Illinois Guide Book to Auto Accidents and Injuries" and the "Illinois Guide Book to Semi Truck Accidents." Or better yet, for more direct answers call the Giacoletto Law Firm at 618-346-8841 or toll free at 888-346-8841 to speak today with an experienced semi truck accident attorney located centrally in Collinsville,
Source: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)
