Driving a truck is a very demanding job...
and a lack of quality sleep makes it more difficult to meet the demands of the job. Currently, there are no laws about screening for sleep apnea. However, during an annual physical the medical examiner may determine a sleep study is needed depending on your health condition. A few factors that are used to make the determination could cause the medical examiner to issue a DOT certificate for less than two years.
If a sleep study is warranted...
and the results shows an AHI (apnea-hypopnea index) of 15 or higher treatment is required. An AHI of 15 higher means there is at least moderate sleep apnea and treatment is a necessity. The Department of Transportation describes compliance with treatment, as using a device at least four hours a day 70% of the time.
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For some, choosing the right treatment and adapting to the treatment, is difficult and sometimes make you feel alone.
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If you are diagnosed with sleep apnea,
please know you are not alone. Millions of people have sleep apnea.
You are still able to drive for the first month if you begin treatment. At the end of the first month, there will need to be documentation showing compliance the previous two weeks, and you are certified for three months.
Depending on which treatment choice, you could have 31 days to 90 days to be evaluated and show documentation of compliance before you can be certified for one year.
Rested Care Management can help!
We can partner with you at any time, whether it is being the first contact offering a consortium enrollment and/or elvatuating for the probability of sleep apnea or educating and coaching you toward a better quality of sleep.
If a sleep study is merited, we will find you an in-network sleep provider, give you real life expectations, review your sleep study results with you, and ensure you know the best treatment and cost option for you.
