Common sleep disorders increase risk of motor vehicle crashes and adverse health outcomes in firefighters.

ABSTRACT:

Study objectives

Heart attacks and motor vehicle crashes are the leading causes of death in US firefighters. Given that sleep disorders are an independent risk factor for both of these, we examined the prevalence of common sleep disorders in a national sample of firefighters and their association with adverse health and safety outcomes.

Methods

Firefighters (n = 6,933) from 66 US fire departments were assessed for common sleep disorders using validated screening tools, as available. Firefighters were also surveyed about health and safety, and documentation was collected for reported motor vehicle crashes.

Results

A total of 37.2% of firefighters screened positive for any sleep disorder including obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), 28.4%; insomnia, 6.0%; shift work disorder

SUBMITTER: Barger LK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4346644 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature