The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and American Trucking Associations found that nearly 28% of truck drivers suffer from sleep apnea. This percentage is very much in line with the number of people who suffer from sleep apnea in general.
The effects of sleep apnea on a trucker can leave the driver drowsy and unable to give full concentration to the road, leading to a tragic Pennsylvania tractor trailer wreck. But the effects of sleep apnea on others who are not drivers can be just as dangerous, especially if they get behind the when of a car.
Sleep apnea is a highly treatable disorder, but many people do not seek treatment because they are unaware that they suffer from the disorder.
Risks of suffering from sleep apnea include:
- Age 40 or older
- Overweight
- Large neck size; ≥ 17 inches for men or 16 inches for women
- Small upper airway
- Recessed chin
- Small jaw
- Large overbite
- Smoking or alcohol use
- A family history of sleep apnea
Symptoms to watch for include:
- Excessive daytime drowsiness
- Morning headaches and/or nausea
- Loud snoring
- Gasping or choking during sleep
- Disturbed sleep
- Frequent waking to use bathroom
- Impotence/loss of sexual desire
- Decreased concentration or memory problems
- Increased irritability and/or depression
If you or someone you love has been suffering from these symptoms, it may be wise to consult with a physician.
Driving a vehicle while drowsy is not only negligent, it is extremely dangerous. If you have been injured by a trucker who chose to drive while drowsy, you may be entitled to compensation. Call Cordisco & Saile at 215-642-2335 to speak with a Bucks County truck accident lawyer today.
