Obstructive Sleep Apnea In Commercial Drivers: A Review

Abstract

Introduction-Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a chronic sleep-related breathing disorder characterized by repetitive collapse of the upper airway, leading to oxygen desaturation, disturbed sleep and excessive daytime sleepiness. It involves partial or complete pharyngeal obstruction, which can cause multiple episodes of sleep fragmentation, hypoxia, snoring, apnea, and daytime sleepiness. Undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnea is independently linked to higher risks of hypertension, cardiovascular disease, stroke, motor vehicle accidents, and reduced quality of life, thereby placing a strain on healthcare resources. Truck drivers often face long working hours and numerous challenges, including inadequate sanitation, safety concerns, and poor sleep hygiene. Commercial drivers primarily drive at night, disturbing their circadian rhythm, apart from prolonged immobility during working hours, making them prone to obesity and hypertension, which are risk factors for OSA. The Epworth Sleepiness Score (ESS), PSQI (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index), and STOP-BANG questionnaire are used to assess daytime sleepiness, quality of sleep, and as a screening tool for OSA, respectively. Studies have shown that high ESS and PSQI scores predict a high chance of OSA in commercial drivers.

Methods - A comprehensive literature search was conducted in major academic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, DOAJ, and Google Scholar. PSQI, ESS, STOP BANG, Commercial drivers, sleep apnea, and snoring were used as keywords.

Result: A total of 110 articles were identified. Literature with only abstracts was excluded. A total of 60 articles were studied.

Conclusion- Timely detection and treatment with a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device can significantly reduce morbidity and lower the incidence of vehicle collisions.