The growing problem of sleep deprivation in long-haul heavy-duty truck driving
Sleep deprivation among long-haul truck drivers has now become a major issue worldwide. Insufficient rest not only increases accident risk significantly but also poses serious impacts on health and working conditions due to chronic fatigue.
This section outlines the front line of “sleep and fatigue management” in the trucking industry through domestic and international initiatives and the latest developments.
Global data on the risks of insufficient sleep
A study by the American Automobile Association (AAA) Foundation shows that accident risk rises sharply when sleep duration falls below seven hours. Compared with seven hours or more, the following differences were observed:
- 6 to 7 hours of sleep → 1.3 times higher risk
- 5 to 6 hours of sleep → 1.9 times higher risk
- 4 to 5 hours of sleep → 4.3 times higher risk
- Less than 4 hours of sleep → 11.5 times higher risk
This demonstrates how just a few hours of sleep loss can drastically increase accident risk.
A survey of Japanese truck drivers found that about 60% sleep less than six hours on average, and around 20% of them reported experiencing accidents caused by fatigue or lack of sleep.
Impact of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), common among drivers
Sleep deprivation in long-haul driving is influenced not only by lifestyle and working conditions but also by medical factors. One notable condition is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
Among American commercial drivers, 17 to 28% are diagnosed with OSA, and screening surveys suggest that up to 78% may be potential patients. These rates are higher than in the general population.
OSA lowers sleep quality and causes daytime drowsiness and loss of focus. As a result, accident risk rises to between 1.2 and 4.9 times that of healthy individuals.
Lack of parking and rest facilities creates “sleep-unfriendly environments”
A major factor behind insufficient sleep is the lack of safe and secure places for drivers to rest.
In Europe, the shortage of safe truck parking areas has been recognized as a challenge for long-haul transport. The EU is promoting the development of comfortable rest facilities along major highways.
In Japan, a survey of truck drivers found that about 90% reported being unable to park at highway service or parking areas and therefore failed to take the mandatory rest periods.
Management and regulatory measures for long-haul truck drivers worldwide
Driving hundreds of kilometers while fighting drowsiness during long shifts is a reality for many drivers. To protect them, various countries have been advancing initiatives to ensure safety.
The focus is shifting from simply reducing working hours to ensuring the quality of rest and creating systems of support. This section explains what regulations and tools have been introduced in different regions.
United States: Rules and technology for visualizing driving hours
In the United States, drivers’ working and rest hours are strictly regulated under the Hours of Service (HOS) rules.
- Maximum driving time per day is 11 hours, only after 10 consecutive hours of rest
- Maximum on-duty period per day is 14 hours
- A 30-minute break is required after 8 consecutive driving hours
- Weekly on-duty limit is 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days
In addition, the use of electronic logging devices (ELDs) is mandatory. ELDs link to the vehicle engine and automatically record driving and rest times. This prevents errors or falsification common in handwritten logs and helps reduce cumulative fatigue.
EU: Unified management of driving and rest time under Regulation 561/2006
Within the EU, Regulation 561/2006 sets unified rules to prevent driver fatigue and ensure road safety.
- Daily driving time: up to 9 hours, extendable to 10 hours twice per week
- Continuous driving time: a minimum 45-minute break is required after 4.5 hours
- Daily rest period: at least 11 hours, reducible to 9 hours under certain conditions
- Weekly rest period: at least 45 hours in principle
- Maximum driving time: 56 hours per week, 90 hours over two consecutive weeks
A notable feature is that the regular weekly 45-hour rest must be taken outside the vehicle. Employers are obliged to provide appropriate accommodation, ensuring drivers a safe and comfortable rest environment.
Japan: Revised rules in 2024 emphasize rest
In April 2024, revisions to the “Improvement Standard Notification” were implemented in Japan, strengthening regulations to ensure drivers get sufficient sleep and prevent fatigue.
- Maximum continuous driving time: 4 hours, requiring at least 30 minutes of breaks or naps within that period
- Rest after the end of a shift: at least 11 hours in principle, reducible to 9 hours minimum
- Maximum working hours: 3,300 hours annually, 284 hours per month
These revisions require transport companies to prioritize rest in their operations planning more than ever before.
Safe and effective rest methods for long-haul drivers
Taking proper rest is essential to safe driving and maintaining health. Below are three effective rest methods.
Choosing safe places for naps
Securing a safe place for naps is essential to maintaining driving performance. Globally, designated rest zones at highway service areas and rest areas are widely used.
In the United States, large truck stops and rest areas equipped with showers, meals, and nap facilities are common. In Europe, “Safe and Secure Parking Areas” are being promoted under EU directives to provide secure rest environments.
In Japan, the Japan Trucking Association operates “Truck Stations,” offering nap rooms, lodging, and bathing facilities, providing drivers with a sense of security.
Creating a comfortable nap environment with light, sound, and temperature control
Guidelines from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), part of the US CDC, emphasize the importance of environmental factors in improving nap quality. Light, sound, and temperature are particularly influential.
Recommended measures include:
- Light: Use blackout curtains or eye masks to create darkness even during the day
- Sound: use earplugs or white noise to reduce disturbances
- Temperature: keep the cabin cool, ideally between 18 and 22°C
By optimizing these factors, even short naps can become high-quality, helping to prevent a decline in driving performance.
Effective naps: the “power nap”
Short naps of up to 20 minutes, known as “power naps,” are effective in reducing drowsiness and restoring focus. Studies show that short naps improve calculation ability and attention, making them a useful strategy for long-haul drivers.
To practice, stop safely as soon as drowsiness appears, set a timer for 15 to 20 minutes, and take a nap. Drinking coffee or a caffeinated beverage before napping can increase alertness upon waking as the caffeine takes effect.
Summary｜Investing in sleep to protect drivers’ safety and health supports the future of logistics
Sleep deprivation in long-haul heavy-duty truck operations is a serious issue that raises accident risk. In addition to stricter regulations worldwide, effective driver actions such as power naps, environmental adjustments, and choosing safe nap locations are proven to help.
The future of logistics will be defined not by how far trucks can run, but by how safely and sustainably they can continue operating. Now is the time for new initiatives that place driver health and safety at the center.
