Risk factors for cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome and sleepiness in truck drivers

Abstract

Background: Truck driver sleepiness is a primary cause of vehicle accidents. Several causes are associated with sleepiness in truck drivers. Obesity and metabolic syndrome (MetS) are associated with sleep disorders and with primary risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (CVD).

Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome in Professional Drivers

“…Moreover, some studies have confirmed that central obesity is often associated with increasing rate of hypertension, insulin resistance, diabetes and dyslipidemia (1,(21)(22)(23). Our findings indicate that almost half of the bus drivers had high blood pressure, which is consistent with the results of a study performed on truck drivers in Mazandaran province (24).…”

Demographic and cardiovascular risk factors associated with drug use in truck drivers in the state of São Paulo: A cross-sectional study.

“…2 The work pattern of truck drivers is a topic of great relevance in the world economy and public health setting. Physical and mental health are two essential aspects for the safe driving of heavy vehicles without putting lives at risk [3][4][5] . Professional drivers are often exposed to overtime work, irregular sleep patterns and short delivery times.…”

“…3 A recent study showed an association between patients with metabolic syndrome and sleepiness, which resulted in an increase in tra c accidents. 4 Inadequate nutrition and lack of physical activity among truck drivers are the main factors for the development of metabolic syndrome. In addition, poor eating habits, obesity and irregular sleep patterns lead to obstructive sleep apnea and, consequently, excessive daytime sleepiness, which is also an important risk factor for accidents.…”

Demographic and cardiovascular risk factors associated with drug use in truck drivers in the state of Sao Paulo, Brazil: A cross-sectional study.

“…These factors contribute strongly to a higher incidence of chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and the occurrence of tra c accidents. [3][4][5] A recent study showed an association between sleepiness and patients with metabolic syndrome, which resulted in an increase in tra c accidents. 4 The poor eating habits, lack of physical activity, obesity and irregular sleep patterns lead to metabolic syndrome and obstructive sleep apnea and, consequently, excessive daytime sleepiness, which is also an important risk factor for accidents.…”

“…[3][4][5] A recent study showed an association between sleepiness and patients with metabolic syndrome, which resulted in an increase in tra c accidents. 4 The poor eating habits, lack of physical activity, obesity and irregular sleep patterns lead to metabolic syndrome and obstructive sleep apnea and, consequently, excessive daytime sleepiness, which is also an important risk factor for accidents. In truck drivers, lifestyle was associated with a higher incidence of heart disease, obesity, sleep disorders and diabetes, and these diseases increase the risk of road accidents.…”