How pay, sleep, and isolation impact truck drivers' health

Experts in road transport and mental health claim that the effects of work conditions on drivers' mental health are more severe than is usually recognized.

Mental health in truck drivers is a major concern within the industry. Experts in road transport and mental health claim that the effects of work conditions on drivers’ mental health are more severe than is usually recognized. Factors such as bill payments, lack of time for family life, and saving for retirement significantly impact the psychological well-being of truck drivers.

Poor working conditions are causes of high turnover, with low wages being one of the main reasons. Additionally, concerns about regulations and the complexity of new technologies contribute to stress, loneliness, and anxiety among drivers.

The main psychological disorders that truckers develop under the extreme work conditions are depression (27%) and anxiety (14.5%), according to a study conducted by the National Library of Medicine. A recent article published by CCJ Digital, says there are three factors that severely affect truck drivers’ mental health: salary, lack of sleep, and time spent away from home. Mental health disorders impact various aspects of life, including work and social environments, making it essential to have the necessary tools to cope with them.

The mental and physical health of truck drivers is at risk

The lack of rest due to work schedules, which may include shifts of up to 14 hours with only 10 hours of rest, causes mental exhaustion that impairs adaptability and increases stress. Experts assert that without quality sleep, there is greater difficulty in adapting to job demands. Lack of sleep is also associated with physical health problems like hypertension and obesity, conditions that affect a significant percentage of truck drivers.

Moreover, irregular schedules, which make it difficult to establish a consistent sleep pattern, increase stress, forcing truck drivers to work in conditions that do not favor their mental or physical well-being. Experts suggest that schedules should better align with the drivers’ natural sleep patterns to reduce the impact of these stresses.

On the other hand, social isolation also has a negative impact on mental health. Long work hours and extended periods away from home lead to truck drivers becoming distanced from their communities and families, further worsening their emotional well-being. Prolonged loneliness and lack of social interaction can have devastating effects, intensifying feelings of distress and disconnection.

The combination of a physically demanding job, pay that doesn’t reflect the effort invested, inadequate rest, and social isolation results in a vicious cycle that affects both the mental and physical health of truck drivers. However, despite these challenges, most drivers (74%) claim to know how to find help for mental health problems, though not always through their employers.

The transportation sector must invest in the holistic health of truck drivers

With significant returns in productivity associated with improving employees’ mental health, experts emphasize the importance of transportation companies investing in the holistic health of truck drivers by offering better working conditions and psychological support. Only by doing so can the safety and overall well-being of drivers be improved, as they play a vital role in the economy but often face challenges that severely affect their quality of life.