Long-haul truck drivers face more than just the challenges of navigating roads and managing schedules.
They are also contending with hidden health risks that have serious implications for their wellbeing.
Shannon McGurgan, who transitioned from a career as a circus performer to driving trucks during the Covid-19 crisis, has observed these risks firsthand.
“When the Covid crisis hit, live performance completely disappeared and I set about re-inventing myself,” he said.
Shannon obtained his HR truck licence, forklift licence, and white card, and drove a truck for six months during the first of the Victorian lockdowns.
“It was during this time that I observed truck drivers as one of the most physically unhealthy groups I’d encountered,” he said.
His observation is supported by research indicating 40 per cent of long-distance truck drivers are likely to have undiagnosed sleep apnoea.
This is largely attributed to the sedentary nature of the job, irregular sleep patterns, and limited access to healthy food options.
“Sleep apnoea is not a minor concern; it has been linked to serious health risks including cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes,” Shannon said.
Discovering the Buteyko Method
Throughout his 30-year career as a circus performer, Shannon said the extent of the breath coaching he received amounted to little more than the idea of taking a nice long, deep breath.
“It wasn’t until I explored the mechanics, biochemical, and neurophysiological aspects of breathing that I realised the potential of breathwork,” he said.
This concept, which dates back to ancient times, was re-discovered in the 1950s by Russian Dr Konstantin Buteyko.
During his early career as a medical doctor, he observed that soldiers suffering from PTSD were also hyperventilating or over-breathing.
He was able to reduce their PTSD symptoms by slowing down their breathing rate, applying this theory to many subsequent physiological conditions.
This led to the development of the Buteyko Method, which is still in use today.
“As an ageing performer looking for ways to extend my career, I had explored various wellness modalities, many of them not in the mainstream health model,” he said.
“Some had a positive effect, others did nothing, and a few even had a negative impact on my body.”
Breathwork proved to be one of the most beneficial.
“I settled on becoming a Buteyko practitioner because of its proven therapeutic results,” he said.
“It’s a simple method that is highly effective and easy to integrate into your daily routine.
Breathing techniques to master:
• Nose breathing (in and out)
• Low but not deep breathing
• Longer out-breath than in-breath
• Six breaths per minute
Take charge of your health
Shannon said when you’re ready to take control of your health and wellbeing, you should consider exploring breathwork techniques.
“My courses will teach you how to incorporate these simple yet powerful practices into your daily life,” he said.
“Your health is worth the investment.”
Key facts
• Apnoea alert: 40 per cent of long-distance truck drivers are likely to have undiagnosed sleep apnoea.
• Hidden health risks: Sleep apnoea can lead to cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.
• Gender disparity: Sleep apnoea impacts nearly twice as many men as women.
• Effective solutions: The Buteyko Method can help manage and reduce symptoms of sleep apnoea.
• Daily practice: Breathwork can be incorporated into your daily routine for lasting health benefits.
To find out more, contact Shannon 0457 388 137 or visit the website at shanon mcgurgan.net/breathe-right-mbm.