Sleep Experts Propose Hours Plan

February 28, 2000 9:40 AM, EST

The National Sleep Foundation last week called for increasing the amount of time truck drivers can spend behind the wheel to 12 hours, as long as they have 12 hours off.

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The foundation, a nonprofit organization promoting public understanding of sleep and sleep disorders, also urged the federal government to mandate the use of electronic recorders in trucks to monitor compliance with hours-of-service regulations.

The recommendations, released at a Feb. 24 press conference in Washington, D.C., are based on the findings of a scientific panel convened by the Department of Transportation in 1998 to review current research on fatigue ("Experts Present Options for Hours of Service," 10-19-98, p. 3).

Drivers should have the opportunity to have nine continuous hours of sleep during their off-duty period, foundation officials said. Research shows that most people need eight hours of sleep a night, but a government study indicated that commercial drivers generally get about five, according to the group.

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