Association Between Cigarette Smoking and Sleep Outcomes Among Long-Haul Truck Drivers: A Secondary Data Analysis.

Harris, Cara; Montgomery, Aoyjai; Heaton, Karen · J Occup Environ Med · 2026

cross_sectional · Level IV

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Abstract

To describe smoking prevalence among long-haul truck drivers (LHTDs) and assess differences in sleep quality, quantity, and propensity between smokers and non-smokers. Sleep quality was measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and sleep propensity using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. Data were analyzed in RStudio using descriptive statistics, Shapiro-Wilk, Levene's Test, Mann-Whitney U Tests, and Cohen's D. Among 96 LHTDs surveyed, 63 were non-smokers, and 33 were smokers. Smokers reported significantly higher daytime sleepiness scores (p =.038, d = 0.2), while differences in sleep quality and sleep propensity duration were not statistically significant. Individuals who smoke experienced poorer sleep quality and greater daytime sleepiness. These findings underscore the need for larger studies and targeted interventions to address smoking-related sleep issues in LHTDs.