Late nights on patrol and irregular shifts increase sleep disorders in America's finest.

About 40% of almost 5000 police officers in the U.S. and Canada screened positive for at leat one sleep disorder, the most common being obstructive sleep apnea (33.6%). Those with a sleep disorder were more likely to make adminstrative errors, not show up for work, fall asleep while driving, and to lash out at suspects. Surprisingly, almost 80% were overweight or obese. Late nights, odd schedules and extended shifts probably contribute to these findings. This study suggests that all shift-workers could be at risk for similar problems.

PositiveTip: If shift work is a part of your life, do all you can to get adequate quality sleep on a regular basis.

Overweight children who snore may suffer from learning difficulties.

Overweight children aged 10-16 years old with sleep disordered breathing (SDB) often have difficulties with attention span, and suffer increased depression and anxiety. This study found that 30% of students with moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) received a grade “C” or below, while only 15% of students without obstructive sleep apnea received a C or lower. Conversely, 15% of students without obstructive sleep apnea received an “A”, while none of the students with obstructive sleep apnea received an “A”.

Alcohol use worsens driving risk in those with obstructive sleep apnea.

Driving skills in people with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are more severely affected by alcohol use and sleep deprivation than age-matched controls. Australian investigators found both sleep restriction (4 hrs. max in last 24 hrs.) or a moderate blood alcohol level (0.05 g/dL, which is lower than the legal driving limit in the U.S.) caused worse steering deviations from the median lane and greater deterioration of steering control during the 90 minute simulated drive than controls. OSA participants were 20-32% more likely to have at least one crash also.

PositiveTip: Avoid sleep restriction or alcohol use to be a safe driver--even if you don't have OSA.

Losing weight helps reduce obstructive sleep apnea and control diabetes!

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) diagnosis is increasing--maybe due in part to our increasing collective flab. In a study of 250 type 2 diabetics with OSA, the participants were randomized to an intensive weight-control program or to three sessions of diabetes management instruction (controls). After one year, those in the weight-control group had lost more weight and were having significantly fewer OSA events. 

Even small amounts of alcohol in those with sleep apnea are very dangerous to driving--and for everyone!

Investigators in Austrailia have compared the impact of small amounts of alcohol and sleep deprivation on the simulated driving skills of those with untreated obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and controls. Subjects with OSA were 21% more likely to have crashes after a small amount of alcohol (BAC 0.05 g/dL) and 32% more likely following sleep deprivation (4 hrs sleep on one night). The controls only had one crash. Even less than a legal dose of alcohol can be deadly. (Legal limits vary from 0.015 g/dL in Japan to 0.08 g/dL in the US.)

PositiveTip: Avoid alcohol and sleep restriction before driving or performing tasks in which safety is a factor.