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ABC News: Could sleep apnea testing reduce major transportation accidents?

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What did former Green Bay Packer, Reggie White, and the driver of a Metro North train have in common?  A medical condition called sleep apnea.

For Reggie Miller, sleep apnea may have contributed to the heart condition which eventually led to his passing, but in the case of the driver of a Metro North train, fatigue related to sleep apnea led to a catastrophic derailment which killed four and injured over sixty people.

ABC News recently looked at the prevalence of sleep apnea and whether screening should be mandated for those responsible for the safety of others in the transportation industry. Studies show that sleep apnea may affect 22 million Americans and others estimate that 20-50% of truck drivers suffer from sleep apnea.

While in-lab testing for sleep disorders can cost $2600 per person, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) does not agree that cost should be a factor in assessing transportation operators for sleep disorders, pointing out that there are alternatives to hospital tests, that can be done at home and at a fraction of the cost.

Fatigue Science’s Pat Byrne agrees that sleep disorder screening is important in identifying at-risk individuals and reducing overall workplace fatigue risk: “Screening for sleep disorders, like sleep apnea, should be part of an organization’s fatigue risk management system.” he says. “You can’t get people the help they need, without first diagnosing the problem. And fatigue caused by untreated disordered sleep is a real problem no matter what hours of service regulations you put in place.”

Watch the ABC News clip to learn more about sleep apnea and the debate to mandate sleep screening in the transportation industry:

 

ABC US News

5 great benefits of sleep

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We all know we feel better when we sleep, but the benefits of sleep go far beyond a feel-good day at the office. Here are my top 5 reasons to get your 8 hours a night:

5. Get cat-like reflexes – You don’t have to be a professional athlete to enjoy beating your buddies at hockey. Need proof? Ask the Canucks what they think.

4. Find your keys – I’m serious, getting enough sleep can improve your memory. Check out this Scientific American podcast if you don’t believe me.

3. Lose weight – Turns out sleep has a direct impact on your weight.  A recent study shows that “women who slept 5 hours per night were 32% more likely to experience major weight gain (an increase of 33 pounds or more) and 15% more likely to become obese over the course of the 16-year study” .

2. Be better looking –  A story published by Men’s Health takes a look at some interesting effects of sleep apnea.  Turns out the patients who had been diagnosed with the sleep disorder were deemed “more attractive” after treatment.

1. You’ll have more friends – Another insight from Men’s Health makes reference to a study that shows you may be more likely to stereotype others if you are tired.  Specifically, your self-control is affected by a lack of sleep, and it is gets progressively worse.

Even if you think you are getting 8 hours a night, most people greatly underestimate the amount of sleep they are getting.  Many people suffering from sleep-deprivation have no idea why.  Trust your instincts, if you feel tired, grumpy and have a hard time finding your keys, your first steps should be to look to your personal sleep data.  You could be missing out on a better-looking, nicer, more popular you.