Regulatory laws can be confusing so we discuss whether or not sleep apnea testing is part of the dot physical needed to get commercial driver s license cdl. A sleep apnea rule would give clarity to medical examiners carrier employers and drivers themselves about what criteria or combination of criteria would prompt a driver to be referred for an in.
Driving While Tired Is Sleep Apnea Putting You In Danger On The Road
While reviewing a series of rules and regulations can be confusing the short answer is no sleep apnea testing is not mandatory in order to pass the mandatory medical examination required for cdl testing while there is no overarching law that mandates sleep apnea testing for a cdl you will want to check and make sure that any company you drive for doesn t have their own more stringent.
Sleep apnea and cdl. Obstructive sleep apnea is a medical condition that can have serious consequences if not treated. Drivers untreated for sleep apnea face increased risk factors including hypertension diabetes erectile dysfunction memory loss chronic fatigue increased risk for heart attack and stroke and obesity untreated apnea causes hormones to trigger hunger and weight gain. While fmcsa regulations do not currently address sleep apnea specifically the fmcsa does state an individual with a clinical diagnosis or medical history of any condition that could interfere with their safe driving ability can t be medically qualified to operate a commercial motor vehicle cmv in interstate commerce.
If you have reasonable suspicion that you have sleep apnea it s recommended you investigate it further see your primary doctor and do a sleep test if necessary. The cdl driver must demonstrate resolution of the excessive sleepiness. Studies show that obesity among cdl drivers is one of the major causes of osa obstructive sleep apnea.
A research clinical study conducted by the university of pennsylvania was sponsored by the federal motor carrier safety administration fmcsa and the american transportation research institute of the american trucking associations found that almost one third 33 of commercial truck drivers have mild to severe sleep apnea 1. Optimal treatment efficacy occurs with s even 7 hours or more of use during sleep every night at recommended pressure. Untreated sleep apnea can make it difficult for you to stay awake focus your eyes and react quickly while driving.
Last year dot planned to pass a new law on dot physical sleep apnea that would require sleep apnea testing for drivers. The best thing you can do is to be proactive before it becomes an issue for your medical card and before it becomes a serious. Medical examiners carrier employers and drivers hoped that a new law would give the industry more direction as there s confusion on exactly what is and isn t allowed when it comes to drivers with sleep apnea.
Truck drivers are concerned that a sleep apnea diagnosis will prevent them from doing their job based on a new law by the department of transportation dot. As the cdl driver s treating physician for sleep apnea i confirm that i have reviewed a minimum of six 6 months of the dri ver s. Many sleep apnea patients say they never fall asleep while driving.
That may be true. In general studies show that people with untreated sleep apnea have an increased risk of being involved in a fatigue related motor vehicle crash. Does sleep apnea disqualify you from cdl.
Cdl drivers who have sleep apnea.
Do You Need Commercial Auto Insurance For Your Business Auto
There Is No New Law On Dot Physical Sleep Apnea Yet
Dot Cdl Sleep Apnea Test Singular Sleep
Aasm Truck Drivers With Sleep Apnea Are 5 Times More Likely To
The Fmcsa Requires That All Applicants For A Cdl Successfully
Driving A Commercial Truck Is A Dangerous Way To Make A Living
Polysomnography Recording And Sleep Staging Neuromuscular