There are about 26 percent of adults between the ages of 30 and 70 who suffer from sleep apnea. If you have sleep apnea, and you’ve been considering obtaining your CDL, you’ve probably wondered whether it would prevent you from obtaining it.
Sleep apnea does not prevent you from getting a CDL, but it is important to seek proper treatment for it in order to maintain your health.
If you have sleep apnea, how do you get treated?
The first thing you’ll want to do is talk to your doctor. It is likely that you will be referred for a sleep study to determine your condition. Sleep apnea is most commonly treated with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP).
CPAP machines are worn during sleep. When you breathe in, the device increases air pressure in your throat to prevent your airway from collapsing. Getting deep, restorative sleep is possible as a result.
Do DOT physicals require sleep studies?
It is not currently required for drivers to undergo a sleep apnea test during a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical, but examiners should assess whether they are at risk.
Sleep apnea should be taken seriously for your health and safety and also for the safety of other drivers on the road.
