How to Find the Best DOT Sleep Apnea Test Center for Truck Drivers?
Sleep apnea is a grave health concern, especially among truck drivers. With growing obesity rates and consumption of fast food, truck drivers are easily susceptible to sleep apnea.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has proposed that truck drivers who have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or higher will be automatically referred for sleep apnea testing.
Truck drivers with a BMI of 33 or higher, and who meet other qualifiers (i.e. being male and older than 42), should be referred for sleep apnea testing, too.
However, before going to the basics, here’s what everyone needs to know about sleep apnea.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a condition that affects the way an individual sleeps. This condition is a serious concern, especially among truck drivers. Truck drivers overwhelmed with fatigue may drift off the road while driving, leading to fatal accidents. Each state’s Dept. of Motor Vehicles (DMV) have regulations stating truck drivers must follow to the Department of Transportation (DOT) sleep apnea compliance.
Sleep apnea can happen to all age groups and both sexes, but there are a number of factors that may put a truck driver at a higher risk.According to FMCSA, the following are major risk factors for sleep apnea:
- A family history of sleep apnea
- Having a small upper airway
- Being overweight
- Having a recessed chin, small jaw, or a large overbite
- A large neck size (17 inches or greater for men, 16 inches or greater for women)
- Smoking and alcohol use
- Being age 40 or older
- Ethnicity
Common Symptoms of Sleep Apnea:
- Loud snoring
- Morning headaches and nausea
- Gasping or choking while sleeping
- Loss of sex drive/impotence
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Irritability and/or feelings of depression
- Disturbed sleep
- Concentration and memory problems
- Frequent night-time urination
In order to diagnose sleep apnea properly, truck drivers must choose a proper sleep study clinic best suited to meet their needs.
Tips for Choosing the Best DOT Sleep Study Centers for Truck Drivers
1. Consult a Physician
If one’s driving is being affected as a result of sleeping disorders, then they should consult with their doctor immediately. Most truck drivers don’t have a proper routine, which often hampers their sleeping habits. They should consult their doctor and get prescribed for sleep apnea testing just for truck drivers.
2. Choose a Clinic
If a truck driver does not have a personal physician, they should find a reputable clinic. They should take into account their location and choose a clinic near them. However, do not forget to thoroughly research the sleep clinic before applying for their DOT sleep apnea test.
3. Trained Sleep Apnea Professionals
To obtain the most accurate results for their DOT sleep apnea testing, they have to make sure the clinic is board certified by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.
4. Sleep Apnea Center With A Good Reputation.
Make sure the sleep center has a good reputation and they have offered DOT sleep apnea testing for a long time.
American Sleep Centers offer affordable DOT sleep apnea testing for truck drivers in the USA.
This medical sleep clinic is specialized in sleep apnea and has medical doctors that are specialized in sleep apnea.