Last month, we discussed the safety risks that truckers who suffer from sleep apnea pose on the road. As previously noted, truckers with sleep apnea are more prone to drowsy driving and may put themselves and fellow motorists at higher risk for truck accidents.

Unfortunately, a new study suggests that truckers who suffer from sleep apnea may be at risk for more than just drowsy driving. They may face a higher risk of strokes, diminutive lesions in the brain and silent strokes.

Astonishingly, over 90 percent of stroke patients suffer from sleep apnea. These patients are also more likely to develop silent strokes and lesions. Even more disturbing is the conclusion that those suffering from more severe cases of sleep apnea are more likely to be disabled by these conditions.

Even if someone with sleep apnea has not suffered a previous stroke, they face a greater risk of developing these dangerous conditions. Over 50 percent of those who suffer from silent strokes also have sleep apnea, while over 30 percent of patients who develop brain lesions also suffer from sleep apnea.

The general public has not been widely educated on the risks associated with sleep apnea. As a result, it often goes undiagnosed and untreated. However, researchers insist that the condition should be approached as seriously as vascular issues such as high blood pressure are.

Truckers especially should consult healthcare professionals in order to ensure that they are properly diagnosed and treated for sleep apnea. Getting behind the wheel of a big rig while at high risk for a stroke and suffering from inadequate sleep is a recipe for disaster.

Source: OHSonline.com, "Sleep Apnea Linked to Silent Strokes, Small Lesions in Brain," Feb. 5, 2012