Abstract
BackgroundSleep-related problems are known risk factors for road accidents. However, very few studies have investigated the role played by insomnia and its components, and no data are available for a population of occupational drivers at risk, such as the truck driver category.ObjectiveTo measure the prevalence and impact of insomnia on motor vehicle accidents (MVAs) and near-miss accidents (NMAs) in 949 truck drivers.DesignCross-sectional survey.ResultsInsomnia affected 27.5% of the sample. Compared to other drivers, in the 3 years prior to the study, truck drivers with insomnia had reported a significantly higher number of MVAs; they had also reported a greater number of NMAs in the previous 6 months. After correction for the presence of obstructive sleep apnea, excessive daytime sleepiness, short sleep duration, and other concurrent diseases, insomniac truck drivers had an almost two-fold risk of driving accidents (OR: 1.82, CI 95%:1.33–2.49) and a more than three-fold increased risk of near-miss accidents (OR: 3.35, CI95%:2.06–5.45) compared to non-insomniac drivers.ConclusionInsomnia emerged as an independent risk factor for MVAs and NMAs. We strongly advise screening commercial drivers for signs and symptoms of insomnia in order to improve health and safety on the road.
Highlights
Sleep disturbance and sleep deprivation are highly prevalent in contemporary society with its round-the-clock work schedules
In the 3 years prior to the study, truck drivers with insomnia had reported a significantly higher number of motor vehicle accidents (MVAs); they had reported a greater number of near miss accidents (NMAs) in the previous 6 months
Insomnia emerged as an independent risk factor for MVAs and NMAs
Summary
Sleep disturbance and sleep deprivation are highly prevalent in contemporary society with its round-the-clock work schedules. We performed a further data analysis on the same database to determine whether insomnia plays a role in the occurrence of MVAs and NMAs. Insomnia disorder is defined in the International Classification of Sleep Disorders, Third Edition [6] as difficulty in initiating or maintaining sleep associated with daytime consequences and not attributable to environmental circumstances or inadequate opportunity to sleep [7]. For the purpose of this study, the term insomnia was used to indicate a disorder in truck drivers who had reported difficulty in falling asleep and/or maintaining sleep, despite adequate opportunity and circumstances for sleep, at least 3 times per week for at least 1 month before our medical examination, and had experienced daytime impairment for this disorder. Very few studies have investigated the role played by insomnia and its components, and no data are available for a population of occupational drivers at risk, such as the truck driver category
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
