In what cases do employers test for sleep apnea and what tests do they typically use?

Employers who have workers that perform or supervise safety sensitive work may choose to test their workers for sleep apnea. This may include such occupations as railroad workers, pilots, truck drivers and heavy equipment operators. A home sleep test may be performed as an initial screening. If the reviewing physician feels the worker requires further testing, he will be referred to a sleep clinic for more extensive overnight testing. If a worker is positive for obstructive sleep apnea, they may require continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment. To ensure that the condition is effectively being managed, the employer may make ongoing treatment or monitoring a condition of continued employment.