Sleep is an issue for many in the transportation industry

According to a recent survey conducted by the National Sleep Foundation, roughly a quarter of transportation workers say sleep-related issues have affected their job job performance and cause an issue in truck driving safety.

The Sleep in America poll found 27 percent of truckers who believe their jobs do not allow them to get enough sleep, while one in 10 Americans report they may fall asleep at work at an inopportune time, including while behind the wheel.

"Transportation workers experience considerable variability in the days they work, the times they work, and the amount of time off between shifts," said Dr. Patrick Sherry, a sleep researcher. "This makes it difficult for such workers to maintain regular sleep/wake schedules, which can, in turn, make it difficult for these workers to maintain alertness on the job."

Dr. Roseanne Barker, of the Barker Sleep Institute in Knoxville, told Knoxville NBC affiliate WBIR that someone who has been awake for 16 to 17 hours has similar reaction times than to those of intoxicated people.

The news source said Barker added drivers' monotonous schedules can also serve as a problem for truck drivers, in which the roads can be "hypnotic."

Sleep is an issue for many in the transportation industry

Thursday, March 15th, 2012