Restless legs syndrome is a sleep disorder that puts the safety of drivers in the trucking industry at risk
Sleep is a natural process that allows a person’s body to cleanse and repair itself from daily activities and the stresses that accompany them. When a person doesn’t get enough sleep, his body can’t function as it should and his health can deteriorate. People often lose sleep due to long working hours and stress caused by everyday life. Sleep disorders are very common and can also affect a person’s sleep. Some are not easy to detect and require medical treatment. Others can be relieved by making changes to a person’s sleep habits and lifestyle.
Restless Leg Syndrome or RLS is a serious condition that is a very common sleep disorder among truck drivers. A person suffering from RLS experiences their legs moving continuously while sleeping. Most people with this condition don’t even know they have it. The movements themselves are due to the patient having an overwhelming urge to move the arms and legs to relieve pain and strange sensations in the arms and legs. By moving the part of the body that has the sensation, they get temporary relief. The pain and sensation you feel may soon ease or return right away. This condition can begin in childhood and is progressive if not treated medically. In most cases, the symptoms go away once treatment is started.
RLS can be considered primary or secondary. The causes of primary RLS are unknown and have not been determined by medical research. It begins before the age of forty and can appear as early as one year of age. The condition progresses slowly, may seem to go away for months or years at a time, and worsens after the age of forty. Symptoms appear daily and attacks are frequent when you have secondary RLS. It usually appears after forty years. Symptoms have been linked to medical conditions such as pregnancy, folate deficiency, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, iron deficiencies, drug use, and autoimmune disorders that can cause restless leg syndrome to develop. Treating the condition that causes RLS can eliminate the sleep disorder. RLS can be inherited and specific treatments are needed to alleviate the condition.
Lifestyle changes and other approaches can lessen the symptoms of restless legs syndrome, making it more bearable. Certain changes like exercise can make a big difference and possibly eliminate symptoms altogether. Eliminating caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine can reduce RLS attacks. Learning about the condition can help you determine what changes you need to make to get better. If changing things doesn’t help, medical help is the next step.
RLS and other sleep disorders among truck drivers make them feel more tired while driving. This makes them a safety hazard to themselves, their fellow drivers, and the company they work for. If you are experiencing symptoms of restless legs syndrome and it is affecting your performance and daily abilities, it is time to seek medical diagnosis and treatment. Continuing to be a commercial driver while suffering from RLS can cause your health to deteriorate and put you at risk of serious injury or possible death while en route to your destination.
