General Resources
- Sleepeducation.org
- NIOSH – Quick Sleep Tips for Truck Drivers
- NIOSH Center for Motor Vehicle Safety
- FMCSA – Resources for Drivers
- NHTSA – Drowsy Driving
- NTSB – Reduce Fatigue-Related Accidents
- NTSB – Require Medical Fitness – Screening and Treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Federal Transportation Safety Reports
- NHTSA – Fatigue in Emergency Medical Services Systems (August 2019)
- Department of Transportation – Identification of Fatigue Countermeasures for the Short Line Railroad Industry (September 2018)
- NHTSA – The Effects of Medical Conditions on Driving Performance: A Literature Review (July 2018)
- NHTSA – Effect of Fatigue Training on Safety in Emergency Medical Services Personnel (January 2018)
- FMCSA – Commercial Motor Vehicle Driver Restart Study: Final Report (March 2017)
Screening for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) in Commercial Motor Vehicle Operators (CMVOs)
How can we screen for OSA in CMVOs?
There are several screening tools available for CMVOs who may be at an increased risk for OSA. Generally, objective measures are found to be more effective than self-reported symptoms. Since obesity is a significant risk factor for OSA, using body mass index (BMI) or neck circumference can be useful in identifying high-risk individuals.
Various BMI thresholds have been suggested, ranging from 30 kg/m² (as recommended by the Medical Review Board of the FMCSA) to 35 kg/m² (which a joint commission recommended in 2012). Additionally, physical examination findings such as a neck circumference larger than 17 inches for men or 15.5 inches for women, along with a high modified Mallampati class airway, can also indicate a higher risk for OSA.
Symptoms like loud snoring, choking during sleep, and excessive daytime sleepiness may suggest OSA, but the absence of these does not rule it out.
What is the prevalence of OSA in CMVOs?
Obesity, male gender, and middle age are common risk factors for OSA; thus, its prevalence in CMVOs is notably high, estimated to range from 28% to 60%. A significant study involving nearly 20,000 drivers found that about 21% had at least 10 breathing pauses or reductions in airflow per hour.
For those looking for solutions to snoring, consider checking out the Snorple Anti-Snoring Mouthpiece, which can be effective from the very first night. If you’re curious about how to use a stop snoring mouthpiece, you can find a helpful guide here.
If you’re questioning whether you snore, you can read more about it here. And for additional insights on stopping snoring, the Sleep Foundation provides excellent resources.
Explore more about hearing aids and their relation to snoring in our post on Hearing Aids in Your Area; it may surprise you how interconnected these topics are!