Truck drivers have one of the toughest jobs around. "Motor freight workers often work long hours, and a variety of factors influence their sleep duration and quality: irregular shifts, mealtimes, and sleep patterns; unsatisfactory sleeping accommodations; and anxiety over traffic, schedules, and economic pressures," according to a study conducted by Dr. Orfeu M. Buxton and colleagues at Harvard Medical School.

The rigors of the job make drivers even more susceptible to stress

, which can lead to health issues and fatigue. And that's why it's increasingly important for truck drivers to get adequate sleep, something found to be linked to healthier eating habits, Buxton's research found.

"Typically they are on duty for 10 or more hours broken by eight hours of rest that may or may not provide adequate time and circumstances for sleep," the authors said.

The study, which was published in the American Journal of Public Health, points to the importance of the role of workplace health programs in responding to workers' sleep patterns. The authors say that implementing policies and practices that support adequate sleep may contribute to healthier dietary patterns among motor freight workers.

Methodology

The data was taken from a survey of 542 employees at eight trucking terminals in the eastern U.S. Participants were 49 years old on average, were employed for at least 15 hours a week, had not been out of work on workers' compensation for more than two weeks, and were members of the Teamsters union. In addition, the participant base consisted of over-the-road truckers, pickup and delivery drivers, or dockworkers. Motor freight workers were chosen because of their increased risk of inadequate sleep and poor dietary patterns.

The researchers analyzed the workers' food choices in three categories: fruits and vegetables, drinks with added sugar and sugary snacks. They also examined work factors, such as job strain and supervisor support. The authors created one model that included the sleep factor, and another that excluded the sleep factor.

The Outcome

When excluding sleep, they found that positive work experiences contributed to healthier eating habits. When adding the sleep variable into the scenario, work experiences were not found to be significant predictors of healthful food choices, while adequate sleep was found to be a significant predictor.

Of the 52 percent of respondents that were getting enough sleep (often or very often), they were consuming about three servings of fruits and vegetables versus slightly less than one serving of a drink with sugar added and less than half a serving of a sugary snack per day. Meanwhile, those with inadequate sleep were downing about two fruit and vegetable servings, slightly more than one sugary drink and less than one sugary snack a day.

"Sleep duration and sleep quantity are contributing factors to increasing chronic disease trends, in that insufficient sleep duration and sleep disruption have been linked to weight gain, diabetes, and early mortality in the long term," the authors said. "Our findings suggest that sleep adequacy, by enhancing helpful dietary choices, is one means by which workplace factors may influence chronic disease risk."

Eating Healthier

The study implies that fleets need to step it up in monitoring drivers' sleep habits. But drivers can also keep their heart healthy, blood pressure down, and have an overall healthier lifestyle by implementing these healthy eating practices from Roadcookin.com:

1. Eat more "good" fats, less "bad" fats. For example, instead of beef, eat more chicken, fish and pork. But make sure it's baked or broiled, not deep fried.

2. Watch the salt. Steer clear of pre-packaged foods, such as canned soup, which are loaded with salt. Avoid the salt shaker.

3. Eat more fiber. This includes fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, whole grain breads and nuts. But infuse it into your diet slowly, so your body can adjust.

4. Get some physical activity. Exercise increases your 'good' cholesterol.

5. Be careful when eating out. Watch the portion sizes. You can sometimes request a half portion for half price, or take the other half to go and eat it later. Ask for gravies, toppings and sauces on the side, and avoid butter and creamy foods. Lastly, drink milk.