A recent study conducted by a team of occupational physicians at the Charles Nicolle University Hospital in Tunis found that 67.1% of professional drivers examined in Tunisia have sleep disorders or excessive daytime sleepiness. The study, published on the scientific platform ScienceDirect, aimed to assess the sleep quality of professional drivers and measure their degree of daytime sleepiness and risk of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). The study was conducted on 82 male professional drivers who consulted at the hospital between January 2 and November 1, 2025.
The study revealed that the participants, with an average age of 46.7 years and 24.6 years of professional experience, have a high prevalence of pathological antecedents, mainly cardiovascular diseases (32.9%) and diabetes (30.5%). Obesity was also found in 30.5% of the drivers. Professionally, 43.9% of the participants work at night, with a median driving time of seven hours per day and a distance of 120 kilometers, and 42 hours per week, covering approximately 800 kilometers.
The evaluation of sleep quality using the Spiegel questionnaire showed that 55 drivers, or 67.1% of the sample, have pathological sleep. Among them, 26 have mild to moderate disorders and 29 have severe disorders. These disorders are particularly associated with a history of cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, and previous road accidents. The study also found excessive daytime sleepiness in 45.1% of the drivers, assessed using the Epworth scale.
The screening for OSAS using the Berlin questionnaire revealed a high risk of developing the condition in 31.7% of the participants, associated with unbalanced diabetes, obesity, active smoking, and a history of road accidents. The study emphasizes the need for systematic screening of sleep disorders in professional drivers and the implementation of targeted preventive measures to preserve their health and reduce the risk of road accidents.
The study's findings highlight the importance of addressing sleep disorders in professional drivers, as they can have serious consequences on road safety. The researchers stress that the high prevalence of sleep disorders and OSAS risk in this population requires urgent attention and action. They recommend that healthcare professionals and policymakers take steps to promote healthy sleep habits and provide adequate medical care for professional drivers.
The study's results also underscore the need for further research on the impact of sleep disorders on road safety in Tunisia. The researchers suggest that future studies should investigate the relationship between sleep disorders and road accidents in more detail, as well as explore the effectiveness of interventions aimed at reducing sleep disorders and improving road safety.
The study's findings have significant implications for public health policy in Tunisia. The researchers hope that their work will contribute to the development of policies and programs aimed at promoting healthy sleep habits and reducing the risk of road accidents among professional drivers. By addressing sleep disorders and OSAS risk in this population, Tunisia can take a crucial step towards improving road safety and protecting the health of its citizens.
Key points
- 67.1% of professional drivers in Tunisia have sleep disorders or excessive daytime sleepiness
- 31.7% of professional drivers in Tunisia have a high risk of developing obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS)
- The study recommends systematic screening of sleep disorders in professional drivers and the implementation of targeted preventive measures to preserve their health and reduce the risk of road accidents.
