Firefighters may Have an Elevated Risk of Sleep Disorders

Two of the leading causes of death for firefighters in the United States are heart attacks and motor vehicle crashes, both of which share independent risk factors in sleep disorders.
In a recent national sample of almost 7,000 firefighters, researchers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital examined the prevalence of common sleep disorders and their association with adverse health and safety outcomes. The study found that sleep disorders are highly prevalent, and associated with substantially increased risk of motor vehicle crashes and cardio-metabolic diseases among firefighters.

Based on specific criteria, 66 US fire departments were selected to participate in a workplace based sleep disorders screening and educational program. Approximately 7,000 participants were assessed for common sleep disorders and surveyed about health and safety. Documentation was also collected for reported motor vehicle crashes. Participants reported current health status, previous diagnoses of sleep and other medical disorders, the likelihood of falling asleep while driving, motor vehicle crashes, near crashes, and injuries.

Researchers found that a total of 37.2 percent of firefighters screened positive for sleep disorders including obstructive sleep apnea, insomnia, shift work disorder and restless leg syndrome.  Firefighters with a sleep disorder were more likely to report a motor vehicle crash and were more likely to report falling asleep while driving than those who did not screen positive.  Additionally, firefighters with sleep disorders were more likely to report having cardiovascular disease, diabetes, depression and anxiety, and to report poorer health status, compared with those who did not screen positive.
More than 80 percent of firefighters who screened positive for a common sleep disorder were undiagnosed and untreated. 

Findings of the study, published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, demonstrate the impact of common sleep disorders on firefighter health and safety, and their connection to the two leading causes of death among firefighters.

Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is a common problem in today's society; it is so common that in some circles people almost consider it a normal aspect of a productive society. The fact is that daytime sleepiness and fatigue are leading causes of accidents, both on the job and on the road, and the cost to society is estimated in billions of dollars per year.
There are several common causes for increased daytime sleepiness, including OSA, PLMS and RLS: these problems are all treatable, but unfortunately many physicians are still not familiar with  the diagnosis of these conditions.
If you have a problem with daytime sleepiness and have tried to increase your sleep length without improving your daytime sleepiness, then you should be evaluated by a Sleep Disorders Specialist. With proper care most people can obtain the treatment they need to improve this problem.

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Further Reading:
Sleep Disorders That Raise Heart Disease And Depression Risk More Prevalent In Firefighters