Sleep Quality, Insomnia, Daytime Sleepiness, and OSA Risk Across Occupational Groups: A Comparative Analysis of Professional Drivers and IT Workers

TL;DR

This study compares sleep issues in professional drivers and IT workers, finding that drivers face higher risk of sleep apnea while IT workers report more insomnia and poor sleep quality.

Contribution

The study identifies distinct sleep-related risks between professional drivers and IT workers, emphasizing the need for occupation-specific sleep health strategies.

Findings

IT workers reported poorer sleep quality and more insomnia symptoms compared to professional drivers.

Professional drivers had a higher prevalence of moderate-to-high obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) risk.

Age and body mass index were stronger predictors of OSA risk than occupation.

Abstract

Background: Sleep disturbances are common in occupational settings and may impair health, safety, and work performance. Professional drivers represent a safety-critical occupational group, whereas information technology (IT) workers are frequently exposed to prolonged screen use and high cognitive workload. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted during 2023–2025 among 488 workers, including professional drivers and IT workers. Participants completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, STOP-Bang questionnaire, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, and Athens Insomnia Scale. Age, sex, body mass index, and total work experience were recorded. Group comparisons and multivariable logistic regression analyses adjusted for demographic and occupational factors were performed. A predefined subgroup analysis was conducted among night-shift workers (n = 113). Results: IT workers were younger and reported poorer subjective sleep quality and more frequent insomnia symptoms compared with professional drivers. In contrast, moderate-to-high OSA risk was more prevalent among drivers. Excessive daytime sleepiness did not differ significantly between groups. In multivariable models, occupational group independently predicted poor sleep quality and insomnia, whereas age and body mass index were the strongest predictors of OSA risk. Conclusions: Sleep-related outcomes differ across occupational groups. Professional drivers appear more vulnerable to OSA-related risk, while IT workers experience a higher burden of insomnia and poor subjective sleep quality. Occupational context should be considered when designing sleep screening and prevention strategies.

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