Sleep disorders, shift work, excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) and quality of life (QL) were evaluated by Epworth sleepiness scale, SF-36 and PSQI in 206 Brazilian and 200 Portuguese truck drivers. Portuguese drivers sleep more on working days (p<0.0001) and on non-working days (p=0.0720) and do more shift work (37.50%), whereas Brazilian drivers wake up earlier on working days (p<0.0001) and on non-working days (p<0.0001). Sleep disorders affected 35.40% of Brazilian drivers and 21.50% of Portuguese drivers (p=0.0019), whereas 32.00% and 21.00% had respectively EDS (p=0.0015). Brazilian truck drivers drive over 16 hours a day (43.20%) and use more amphetamines (11.10%) (p<0.0001), while Portuguese drivers consume more alcohol (73.50%) (p<0.0001). QL scores were better for Portuguese drivers regarding mental health (p<0.0001) and pain (p<0.0001) and better for Brazilian drivers regarding physical function (p<0.0001), vitality (p=0.0002) and social function (p<0.0001). Sleep disorders are highly prevalent in both countries.
Sleep; quality of life; drivers
