Sleep quality, obstructive sleep apnea, and psychological distress in truck drivers: a cross-sectional study

Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol. 2018 May;53(5):531-536. doi: 10.1007/s00127-017-1474-x. Epub 2017 Dec 28.

Abstract

Purpose: Sleep disorders are highly prevalent in truck drivers. The aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of self-reported obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and poor sleep quality in truck drivers, and to analyze the relationship between sleep problems and mental health.

Methods: A total of 526 male truck drivers (mean age 45.9; DS 9.4) responded to a questionnaire about risk factors for OSA (STOP-Bang), sleep quality perception (Pittsburg sleep questionnaire inventory, PSQI), excessive daytime sleepiness (Epworth sleepiness scale, ESS), and psychological disorders (general health questionnaire, GHQ-12).

Results: It was found that 51.1% of the drivers were at risk of OSA, 17.3% had bad sleep quality, and 8.9% had excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS). The association between psychological distress, OSA (OR = 1.67; CI 95% 0.99-2.83; p = 0.057), bad sleep quality (OR = 2.58; CI 95% 1.52-4.37; p < 0.001), and EDS (OR = 1.65; CI 95% 0.83-3.30; p = 0.151) was assessed.

Conclusions: The high prevalence of sleep problems, especially suspected OSA, and low quality of sleep in truck drivers can worsen the general and psychological wellbeing of the workers. Educational programs focusing on sleep hygiene and behavioral interventions are needed to promote adequate sleep habits and improve individual and public health.

Keywords: Obstructive sleep apnea; Occupational health; Psychological distress; Sleep disorders; Truck drivers.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Automobile Driving / psychology*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Motor Vehicles
  • Occupational Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Occupational Diseases / psychology
  • Prevalence
  • Risk Factors
  • Self Report
  • Sleep Apnea, Obstructive / epidemiology*
  • Sleep Apnea, Obstructive / psychology
  • Sleep Wake Disorders / epidemiology*
  • Sleep Wake Disorders / psychology
  • Stress, Psychological / epidemiology*
  • Stress, Psychological / psychology