Sleep patterns and sleep-related complaints of Brazilian interstate bus drivers

Abstract

Sleep-related complaints have become a highlight for physicians as well as public health administrators. Studies of sleep patterns and sleep-related complaints of shift workers have been useful in minimizing reduction in the quality of life due to the warping of the sleep-wake cycle. The objective of the present study was to assess patterns of sleep, sleep-related complaints as well as physical activity and scoring rates for depression and anxiety in interstate bus drivers. Data were obtained with a sleep questionnaire, with the Beck inventory for depression, and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). A total of 400 interstate bus drivers from the northern, southern, central-western and south-eastern regions of Brazil were interviewed. Sixty percent of the subjects interviewed presented at least one sleep-related complaint, 16% admitted to have dozed at the wheel while on duty, and 41% stated that they exercised on a regular basis. Other sleep disturbance complaints reported were: sleep latency 2917"; physical fatigue, 59.8%; mental fatigue, 45.4%; sleepiness, 25.8%; irritability, 20.6%; insomnia, 37.5%, respiratory disturbances, 19.25% and snoring, 20.75%. Scores for anxiety and depression were not in the pathological range. The present data reinforce the view that bus drivers are generally discontent with shift work and its effects on sleep. Consequently, it is very important to establish an appropriate work schedule for drivers, besides implementing photo-therapy and physical activities in order to minimize sleepiness when driving.

Síndrome da apneia obstrutiva do sono em motoristas de caminhão

“…(3,5,7,17,18) In such studies, the prevalence of OSAS has been determined by subjective instruments (17,18) or by polysomnography. (3,5,7) The prevalence of OSAS in the present study was lower than that reported in other studies and yet higher than that observed for the general population. It is estimated that objective evaluations would confirm a diagnosis of OSAS in 60% of individuals who are at high risk of developing the syndrome.…”

“…(6) In Brazil, a study of bus drivers revealed that 60% present at least one sleep-related complaint or problem. (7) Cases of OSAS are characterized by complete upper airway obstruction (apnea) or partial upper airway obstruction (hypopnea) during sleep. (8) This obstruction is typically accompanied by decreased oxygen-hemoglobin saturation, and its principal symptoms are loud snoring, periods of apnea, fragmented sleep and frequent awakenings, resulting in daytime sleepiness.…”

Paradoxical sleep deprivation: neurochemical, hormonal and behavioral alterations. Evidence from 30 years of research

“…Sleep deprivation can lead to traffic accidents due to fatigue and alterations in the biological rhythm. Indeed, 16% of Brazilian interstate bus drivers reported sleepiness while driving, with an average of eight naps/trip (De Mello et al 2000), and 38% of those drivers have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (Santos et al 2004). Recently, a new legislation was approved that will require new medical and psychological examinations for all Brazilian drivers.…”

Interação entre sincronizadores fóticos e sociais: repercussões para a saúde humana

“…A obesidade também foi descrita em estudo prévio de Moreno et al, com 10.101 motoristas de caminhão, como um dos fatores associados à presença de apneia obstrutiva do sono (Moreno et al, 2004). Mello et al, por sua vez, ao estudarem 400 motoristas de ônibus interestaduais brasileiros, constataram que 60% dos trabalhadores apresentavam queixa de, pelo menos, um problema de sono (Mello et al, 2000).…”