Sleep disorders represent an often underestimated risk factor for safety in public transport sectors. The experts of Auxologico IRCCS remind us of this by underlining the fundamental importance – already foreseen in the Consolidated Law on Safety), the fundamental rule on health and safety at work in Italy – of regular and systematic medical checks for driving professionals, such as bus drivers, public transport drivers and professional transport operators.
The importance of evaluation
The quality of sleep directly affects the ability to alert, reaction times and concentration while driving. Conditions such as chronic insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), hypersomnia or circadian rhythm alterations can lead to daytime sleepiness, decreased attention and increased risk of human error. In activities that involve driving vehicles or managing complex situations, these conditions can result in accidents and dangerous situations for workers and users.
As recalled by Carolina Lombardi, director of the Sleep Medicine Center of Auxologico IRCCS and associate professor of Cardiovascular Diseases at the University of Milan-Bicocca
“Evaluating sleep habits, any symptoms suggestive of sleep disorders and supporting a correct lifestyle which also includes preserving the correct hours of sleep are a fundamental protection of health in general and health in the workplace. Sleep deprivation for extrinsic reasons, such as work or family schedules, habits or needs, as well as sleep disorders, including obstructive sleep apnea primarily, represent an important risk factor for compromising the level of vigilance and attention, which is particularly dangerous while driving. means and in the workplace as well as representing an important cerebral and cardiovascular risk factor. It is therefore essential to raise awareness among the general population, especially of working age, and the medical profession regarding the need to provide and collect detailed information on the quality and quantity of sleep with the aim of diagnosing any disorders early and correcting incorrect habits or the inappropriate administration of do-it-yourself therapies before they become chronic”.
Tailored programs and screenings
Epidemiological data indicate that sleep disorders are extremely widespread. Recent studies based on diagnostic tests in the population between 40 and 85 years old show that approximately 49.7% of men and 23.4% of women present a biologically defined form of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.
At the same time, estimates from the Italian Association of Sleep Medicine indicate that approximately 13.4 million Italians suffer from insomnia, including transient and chronic forms. Overall, this is approximately one in four adults and one in five minors. The prevalence of chronic insomnia is estimated at around 6% of the adult population, while around 30% of Italians sleep less than six hours a night, an indicator often associated with insufficient sleep quality and other sleep disorders. Women are affected more frequently than men and represent approximately 60% of cases.
For Auxologico IRCCS specialists, the introduction of periodic screening programs in public transport workers would allow for the early identification of any sleep disorders and timely intervention with adequate diagnosis and treatment. Checks may include a clinical evaluation of sleep habits, the use of validated questionnaires and, when necessary, instrumental tests such as polysomnography or nocturnal cardiorespiratory monitoring. Early diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders represent an essential prevention measure not only for the individual health of workers, but also for the safety of the transport system and the community.
Operational proposal? Sleep education programs, correct organization of shifts and periodic medical checks can significantly contribute to reducing the risks related to drowsiness while driving and chronic fatigue.
