An investigation has found that chronic sleep deprivation is a massive issue among the transportation industry, putting roads at risk as drivers rely on just four hours sleep
Millions of truck and delivery drivers are risking lives by relying on just four hours sleep a night. A probe has found that chronic sleep deprivation is a massive issue among the transportation industry, putting roads at risk of accidents linked to fatigue.
Even having an hour less than the recommended amount of sleep can be dangerous on the streets, the study by Hillarys said. The retailer’s survey found 61% get just four to six hours of sleep on work nights, well below the seven to nine hours recommended by the NHS.
This is equivalent to two million chronically sleep-deprived workers, with those in Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Leicestershire may be most affected.
Analysis of Freedom of Information (FOI) data shows police attended the most incidents linked to sleep or fatigue in these regions.
Tom Coleman, sleep expert at Hillarys, said: “People often underestimate how much lack of sleep affects performance.
“In high-stakes jobs like transport, being chronically underslept can slow reaction times, impair decision-making and increase the likelihood of accidents.
“This isn’t just personal fatigue – it’s a public safety issue affecting millions of commuters and passengers.
“Small improvements in sleep routines, stress management, and recovery can make a real difference for both worker wellbeing and national safety.”
Research even shows that the degree of cognitive impairment from sleep deprivation can match or exceed driving impairment seen with low levels of alcohol intoxication.
Studies found that drivers getting less than five hours of sleep have up to 4.3 times the crash risk of those with adequate rest.
This is comparable to the risk levels associated with drunk driving.