Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a reduction or cessation of breathing during sleep caused by an obstruction to the airways in the head or neck. Because it can impact an employee’s alertness, performance, and function, this sleep disorder is a serious concern in the workplace.
Symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
While symptoms of OSA vary widely among patients, these symptoms can include:
- Loud snoring
- Excessive daytime somnolence (EDS) or sleepiness
- Observed periods where breathing stops during sleep
- Restless sleep (gasping or choking awakenings)
- Grogginess and headaches
Common Risk Factors
Evidence shows that gender (being male), age, obesity, alcohol consumption, smoking, sedative use, and anatomical abnormalities in the head and neck can all contribute to OSA.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) Drivers
While there is disagreement about the actual percentage of OSA among CMV drivers, these drivers do have a higher prevalence of sleep disorders than other groups of workers. A resulting concern is that a persistent or chronic sleep disorder can be a significant risk for the driver and the public. Ultimately, the best decision on how this affects a particular worker can be made upon conducting a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) physical examination.
- During a FMCSA exam, the physician will gather a medical history by questioning the driver about sleep disorders, pauses in breathing while sleeping, daytime sleepiness, and loud snoring.
- A physical examination will also evaluate a driver’s general health, including factors such as weight (being overweight) and irremediable mouth and throat deficiencies likely to interfere with breathing or swallowing.
How Concentra Can Help
Concentra can help you treat and combat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and other sleep disorders in the workplace by providing medical treatment and exams at any of our more than 320 walk-in medical centers–or through on-site clinics or mobile medical units. Additionally we can provide the consulting and training expertise to help you evaluate your workplace and educate your employees. Whatever you need to improve the health and wellness of your employees and the safety of your workplace, Concentra is ready to help.
