Natural Remedies For Truck Drivers With Sleep Apnea And Other Sleep Disorders

Commercial Truck Drivers have a higher risk of sleep disorders than the general public due to their irregular work schedules and inability to get quality sleep. Sleeping in a truck hardly offers the same level of comfort that they would get in their own beds. Plus there is often the noise and distractions of sleeping at truckstops. Those drivers that aren’t fortunate enough to get a parking space at truckstops to sleep often must park their truck anywhere they can. When this happens, they don’t necessarily feel safe which interferes with the quality of sleep they receive.

Commercial truck drivers should be well rested and alert after sleeping but this is often not the case. The quality of sleep truck drivers get in their trucks is poor. Sleep apnea, insomnia and other sleep disorders can drastically affect truck drivers driving abilities when they are behind the wheel. This can increase their risk of being involved in accidents.

Getting good quality sleep and a sufficient level of sleep is a major factor in promoting weight loss, lowering the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, stroke, heart disease and other health problems. It can also help with depression and increase longevity. Good quality sleep is vital to maintaining good health. Our immune system repairs damage to the body during the deepest stages of the sleep cycle. However, when ones sleep is disrupted the process of repairing the body can be hampered.

One alternative to treating sleep apnea naturally without the use of a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine or surgery is to use a safe and natural compound called 5-Hydroxytrptophan (5-HTP). 5-HTP is a serotonin precursor and many victims of sleep apnea are deficient in serotonin.

When one doesn’t get sufficient sleep, the amount of cortisol increases which then decreases the amount of L-Tryptophan that gets to the brain. L-Tryptophan is an amino acid which is required for the brain to produce serotonin. 5-HTP can be used to raise serotonin levels in the body. It is recommended to start with 50 mg and increase the amount if needed. 5-HTP is easily available at supermarkets, pharmacies and online retailers. Those who choose to supplement with 5-HTP should do so under the advisement of their medical practitioner because there can be side effects.

Valerian root is a popular perennial herb available in supplement form used to treat insomnia and other sleep problems. Chronic insomnia accelerates the aging process throughout the entire body. Valerian root also helps treat anxiety and depression among other ailments. Valerian root contains a variety of active compounds in it one of which is gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA is a chemical in the brain that produces a naturally calming effect in the body.

Post Author: Sophie Toby Hall

A former car magazine editor, Sophie’s blog offers in-depth car reviews, industry trends, and maintenance tips. Her breadth of knowledge makes her posts invaluable for both car enthusiasts and everyday drivers.