Semin Respir Crit Care Med 2023; 44(03): 385-395
DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1767787
Review Article

Work-Related Sleep Disorders: Causes and Impacts

Elen Gusman*
1   Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Northwestern Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
,
Jordan Standlee*
2   Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
,
Kathryn J. Reid
3   Department of Neurology, Division of Sleep Medicine, Northwestern Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
4   Center for Circadian and Sleep Medicine, Northwestern Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
,
Lisa F. Wolfe
1   Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Northwestern Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
3   Department of Neurology, Division of Sleep Medicine, Northwestern Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
4   Center for Circadian and Sleep Medicine, Northwestern Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
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Abstract

Insufficient sleep syndrome, shift work disorder, and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) not only significantly impact the health of affected individuals, but also pose a threat to public safety. This article describes the clinical manifestations and impact of these sleep disorders, particularly as they pertain to workers' health and those with safety-sensitive positions. Sleep deprivation, circadian rhythm disruptions, and excessive daytime sleepiness—hallmarks of insufficient sleep, shift work disorder, and OSA, respectively—all lead to a series of cognitive deficits and impaired concentration that affect workers in a wide variety of fields. We describe the health consequences of these disorders along with treatment strategies, with a focus on current regulatory standards and the under-recognition of OSA in commercial drivers. Given its large scale, there is a need for improved guidelines and regulations for the screening, diagnosis, treatment, and long-term follow-up of OSA in commercial motor vehicle drivers. Increased recognition of the ways in which these sleep disorders impact workers will pave the way for significant improvements in occupational health and safety.

* Elen Gusman and Jordan Standlee contributed equally to this work.




Publikationsverlauf

Artikel online veröffentlicht:
18. April 2023

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