A study of professional drivers conducted by occupational physicians at Charles-Nicolle University Hospital in Tunis found that 75.6% of participants have medical histories involving chronic diseases associated with sleep disorders.
The research, which analyzed data from 82 male drivers between January 2 and November 1, 2025, shows public health risks within the transport sector.
The findings indicate that the average age of the drivers studied is 46, with an average of 24 years of professional experience. Researchers identified that 32.9% of the sample group suffers from cardiovascular diseases, while 30.5% have diabetes and 30.5% are affected by obesity.
The occupational data collected by the medical team shows that 43.9% of the drivers work night shifts. On average, these professionals drive for 7 hours daily, covering 120 km, which totals 42 hours and 800 km per week.
The study also documented a 26.8% rate of exposure to previous road accidents among the participants. The medical team emphasized the necessity of strengthening diagnostic protocols for sleep disorders among professional drivers to mitigate health risks and improve road safety.
The study identified cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and obesity as the primary chronic conditions affecting the driver population. These conditions are frequently linked to the sleep disorders identified by the researchers.
The team advocates for more rigorous diagnosis of sleep-related issues and the implementation of specific preventive health measures. These actions aim to reduce the overall impact of sleep disorders on both the personal health of the drivers and the safety of the public on the road.