The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) of the U.S. Department of Transportation says a new study shows sleep apnea is not as prevalent in truckers as previously believed. The FMCSA became concerned six years ago when a report indicated that 78 per cent of commercial truckers had sleep apnea.

The findings of the joint FMCSA and American Trucking Associations study reveals of the three levels of sleep apnea -- mild, moderate and severe -- it is estimated that only 4.5 to five percent of truckers have severe sleep apnea (30 or more apnea episodes per hour). The research also indicates that those with mild to moderate apnea generally do not lose enough sleep to adversely affect driving.

According to news reports, Ron Knipling, FMCSA's Division Chief of Research said "FMCSA has an extensive program regarding truckers' fatigue and performance in general. We are currently formulating a program to educate drivers and industry management about sleep disorders such as OSA and continue to advocate medical screening and treatment for the disease. If a person has been diagnosed with OSA, FMCSA doesn't consider them qualified to drive until they have received treatment and their condition is under control."