Truck drivers and sleep apnoea under the spotlight

Researchers from Southern Cross University are aiming to determine whether there is a relationship between physical activity levels and the risk of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) in male commercial truck drivers.

Honours student Lana Eyeington, from the School of Health and Human Sciences, is hoping to recruit truck drivers from north-west NSW (Tamworth region), the NSW North Coast, Brisbane and the Gold Coast to take part in the study.

Research suggests truck drivers are at risk of developing OSA due to the sedentary nature of their occupation.

“OSA is the most common sleep related breathing disorder and 80 per cent of those with OSA remain undiagnosed,” Miss Eyeington, a qualified sleep technician and clinical exercise physiologist, said.

“The condition is twice as common in men and typical symptoms include pauses in breathing, loud snoring and broken sleep resulting in excessive daytime sleepiness and reduced alertness.

“Male, middle-aged an overweight men are at highest risk for developing OSA. Previous research indicates that commercial truck drivers fit the blueprint for OSA. They are exposed to long hours of driving, sitting, irregular shifts, poor dietary intake and lifestyle habits, all of which significantly increase the risk of developing OSA.

“Undiagnosed OSA can increase the crash-risk of a truck driver between two and seven-fold and also hasten the development of type 2 diabetes, heart disease and even sexual dysfunction.”

According to Miss Eyeington, research suggests that adequate physical activity may have a protective effect against OSA. However, she said these findings are limited to studies conducted overseas in different populations and may not be directly applicable to an Australian population.

“This study will be the first to investigate the link between physical activity levels and the risk of OSA in male commercial truck drivers in Australia,” Miss Eyeington said.

“This pilot study may provide evidence for physical activity levels as a surrogate indicator for identifying a truck driver’s risk for OSA and contribute towards developing cost-effective screening models that identify those at higher risk for early diagnosis and treatment.”

Drivers who would like to participate in the study need to be over the age of 18, have a current heavy vehicle licence and not have been diagnosed with OSA by their doctor. Participants will be required to complete a simple questionnaire and have a few physical measurements including blood pressure, height, weight and circumference measurements.

Data collection will take place at the participants workplace or if preferred can be arranged at Southern Cross University’s Lismore campus. For further information or to participate in the research please contact Lana Eyeington via email lana.eyeington@scu.edu.au or phone 0413 654 082.

Photo: Lana Eyeington.