New company to focus on sleep-related disorders

The Trucker News Services

5/8/2007

TULSA, Okla. (May 8, 2007) — With truckers in mind, Dr. James Duke and Dr. Bobby Daniel, DO, have teamed up to launch Safety Sleep Systems Inc. (SSSI), a new company focused on developing cost-effective solutions for those suffering from sleep-related medical issues. A particular goal is to provide solutions that allow those so affected to live a normal, healthy life without major alterations to their careers or lifestyle, according to a company news release.

Duke is a board certified polysomnologist and nationally known sleep expert with over 30 years of diagnosis and treatment of sleep-related disorders. Daniel is founder and owner of Oklahoma Rehab Services, a company which treats patients with pulmonary lung disorders.

Bruce Keltner, CEO of Oklahoma Rehab Services, has been named CEO of SSSI. Previously, his career included positions as chairman of the board of Bio Earth Inc., and management positions with Wal-Mart.

“Our management system is a very unique process that addresses the upcoming laws regulating the trucking industry concerning CDL license renewal,” Keltner said of SSSI's development effort. “A sleep system must be ambulatory for it to work for truck drivers.”

According to the American Sleep Apnea Association more than 12 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea, a serious health condition causing constant interruptions from sleep and depriving sufferers from the benefits of deep sleep. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), the most common form of sleep apnea, is caused by a blockage of the airway, often when the soft tissue in the rear of the throat collapses and closes during sleep. Those affected with untreated sleep apnea stop breathing repeatedly and may wake up 20 to 30 times per hour during the night. Common symptoms among sufferers include snoring and fatigue.

For the past several years, the issue of sleep apnea has been an increasing problem, especially for the trucking industry. For commercial drivers, sleep apnea is dangerous and potentially deadly. Recent industry and government research suggests that the more than 8,000,000 commercial motor vehicle (CMV) operators have a higher prevalence of sleep apnea than the general population and may be three times more likely to have driving accidents, SSSI states.

“Because drivers are frequently not properly diagnosed, or find traditional treatments too costly and inconvenient, their sleep apnea frequently goes untreated,” said Duke. “The development of new cost- effective medical protocols, combined with efficient new technology, is key to making significant inroads to treatment and improving driver safety.”

— The Trucker News Services