Abstract
Background: Professional truck drivers (TDs) are exposed to stressful working (and living) conditions and are vulnerable. They report physical and mental health problems and psychological distress more frequently than the general population and their problems can affect safety on the roads. Actions to improve TDs’ health and reduce the risks of (co-)morbidity or unsafe driving are imperative. Methods: The published studies dealing with the TDs’ sleep habits and mental health were reviewed to define the scenario and organize the preventive strategies proposed thus far. Results: Awareness among TDs of the high risk for health and safety due to (often co-existing) untreated sleep and mental health problems is critical. Alcohol and prescribed or illicit drugs are often misused to compensate for depression, anxiety, job strain, fatigue, and social isolation. Polypharmacy and dependence increase the chance of unsafe behaviors on the road. The TDs’ access to healthcare services is scant, and participation in industry-sponsored wellness programs is limited. Conclusions: Primary prevention is a first unavoidable step to deal with sleep and mental health problems. Educational programs, online support and tele-health assessment/monitoring would help improve the well-being, safety and health of professional TDs and increase safety on the road.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | 1852 |
| Journal | International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health |
| Volume | 15 |
| Issue number | 9 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Sep 1 2018 |
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Keywords
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Mental health
- Prevention
- Road safety
- Sleep
- Sleep disorder
- Truck driver
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
- Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis
Cite this
Sleep and mental health in truck drivers : Descriptive review of the current evidence and proposal of strategies for primary prevention. / Garbarino, Sergio; Guglielmi, Ottavia; Sannita, Walter G.; Magnavita, Nicola; Lanteri, Paola.
In: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, Vol. 15, No. 9, 1852, 01.09.2018.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
}
TY - JOUR
T1 - Sleep and mental health in truck drivers
T2 - Descriptive review of the current evidence and proposal of strategies for primary prevention
AU - Garbarino, Sergio
AU - Guglielmi, Ottavia
AU - Sannita, Walter G.
AU - Magnavita, Nicola
AU - Lanteri, Paola
PY - 2018/9/1
Y1 - 2018/9/1
N2 - Background: Professional truck drivers (TDs) are exposed to stressful working (and living) conditions and are vulnerable. They report physical and mental health problems and psychological distress more frequently than the general population and their problems can affect safety on the roads. Actions to improve TDs’ health and reduce the risks of (co-)morbidity or unsafe driving are imperative. Methods: The published studies dealing with the TDs’ sleep habits and mental health were reviewed to define the scenario and organize the preventive strategies proposed thus far. Results: Awareness among TDs of the high risk for health and safety due to (often co-existing) untreated sleep and mental health problems is critical. Alcohol and prescribed or illicit drugs are often misused to compensate for depression, anxiety, job strain, fatigue, and social isolation. Polypharmacy and dependence increase the chance of unsafe behaviors on the road. The TDs’ access to healthcare services is scant, and participation in industry-sponsored wellness programs is limited. Conclusions: Primary prevention is a first unavoidable step to deal with sleep and mental health problems. Educational programs, online support and tele-health assessment/monitoring would help improve the well-being, safety and health of professional TDs and increase safety on the road.
AB - Background: Professional truck drivers (TDs) are exposed to stressful working (and living) conditions and are vulnerable. They report physical and mental health problems and psychological distress more frequently than the general population and their problems can affect safety on the roads. Actions to improve TDs’ health and reduce the risks of (co-)morbidity or unsafe driving are imperative. Methods: The published studies dealing with the TDs’ sleep habits and mental health were reviewed to define the scenario and organize the preventive strategies proposed thus far. Results: Awareness among TDs of the high risk for health and safety due to (often co-existing) untreated sleep and mental health problems is critical. Alcohol and prescribed or illicit drugs are often misused to compensate for depression, anxiety, job strain, fatigue, and social isolation. Polypharmacy and dependence increase the chance of unsafe behaviors on the road. The TDs’ access to healthcare services is scant, and participation in industry-sponsored wellness programs is limited. Conclusions: Primary prevention is a first unavoidable step to deal with sleep and mental health problems. Educational programs, online support and tele-health assessment/monitoring would help improve the well-being, safety and health of professional TDs and increase safety on the road.
KW - Anxiety
KW - Depression
KW - Mental health
KW - Prevention
KW - Road safety
KW - Sleep
KW - Sleep disorder
KW - Truck driver
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85052543250&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=85052543250&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.3390/ijerph15091852
DO - 10.3390/ijerph15091852
M3 - Article
C2 - 30150599
AN - SCOPUS:85052543250
VL - 15
JO - International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
JF - International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
SN - 1661-7827
IS - 9
M1 - 1852
ER -