Sleep disorder problems can have significant fact on a sufferer's life, but should it also affect their employment? Some experts certainly think so. There has been a significant increase in the number of accidents, injuries and even death in relation to these seemingly innocent conditions. This has put health and safety officials as well as employers in a tough spot. Should testing become mandatory for employment in some fields?
A Sleep Disorder and Some Jobs Don't Mix, Some Say
Recently, a pilot overshot his destination by more than 150 miles. And while the pilot remains adamant that it was nothing more than distraction, authorities suspect he may have fallen asleep and believe sleep apnea was to blame. Hundreds and even thousands of accidents involving tractor-trailer units are believed to be the result of the driver falling asleep behind the wheel because of sleeping problems.
This has lead regulatory authorities such as the National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Authority to question if employers in these types of industries should require testing for these types of conditions. For sufferers, this has serious implications, particularly when considering treatments such as sleep apnea machines.
Positive Effects On the Workforce
Adopting the concept of mandatory sleep testing has numerous benefits for drivers and other professionals who would be required to take testing and use sleep apnea machines. One of the main benefits is that it causes those at high risk of having the condition to get tested, whereas they otherwise might not. In fact, a large percentage of sufferers never seek treatment.
Because it would become necessary for those with sleep disorders to get treatment, these might also be covered by the company health plan or insurance system. Otherwise, some of these treatments might be too expensive and out of the reach of many patients. Lastly, it gives these conditions the attention they desperately need and deserve. They're often not thought of as being serious, and are therefore, frequently overlooked when it comes to funding and awareness, despite studies suggesting sleep disorders can shorten a patient's lifespan by 46%.
Negative Effects On Professionals
Many professionals and businesses are already upset at the prospect of having to undergo sleep disorder testing in order to qualify for employment. Jobs are getting harder to get and keep, the money gained from them doesn't go near as far as it used to, and the more restrictions placed on that job, the more difficult it becomes to remain competitive.
Privacy also enters into this debate. Is it really making such as significant difference that it would require such an invasion of personal space? Should employers be able to determine whom they hire because of this testing, and should they be allowed to disqualify people based on the results? Will that person be fired for not using sleep apnea machines consistently, and how will that be policed or proven? Lastly, will there be continuous testing throughout the duration of the employment?
The debate over the mandatory testing for sleep disorder testing and the mandatory use of sleep apnea machines has emotions running high on both sides. On one hand, it could significantly improve the health of the population while avoiding terrible tragedies that no one wants to have happen. Unfortunately, it also has serious effects on those trying to make a living in these fields. As for which side will win, it's a waiting game.
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