Sleep Disorders

Sleep disorders can affect an individual’s ability to complete safety critical work at all times of day and night. Sleep disorders include (but are not limited to):

• Sleep Apnoea
• Periodic Limb Movement Disorder
• Circadian Rhythm Disorder (Sleep-Wake Cycle Disorder)
• Narcolepsy

Effect of rail on condition

People with a sleep disorder can be adversely affected by irregular meal and sleep times. Rotating shift work is required for many safety-critical positions on the railway and this may be incompatible with the sleep disorders described above, causing an exacerbation of the condition.

Effect of condition on rail

Sleep disorders may cause excessive daytime sleepiness which causes dozing at inappropriate times when intending to stay awake. This has obvious implications for rail safety. Such disorders may affect the ability to perform safety critical work due to sleepiness and/or affected mental function.

Effect of treatment on rail

Some of the above conditions are treated with medication that may impair one’s ability to work in safety critical positions. Other conditions such as sleep apnoea will need to be adequately assessed and treated before a candidate could be considered fit for work

Approach to fitness for duty

More likely to be fit for duty if;
You may be more likely to be fit for duty if your condition has been fully diagnosed, treated, and is deemed stable by your treating doctor with evidence of good compliance with treatment that does not cause impairment.

Less likely to be fit for duty if;
If your condition has not yet been fully diagnosed or stabilised and if there is no evidence from a treating specialist that the condition is stable.

You are unique
Every sleep disorder is different. How you are affected will depend on a range of circumstances. The assessing Authorised Health Professional makes decisions on a case-by-case basis. A decision is based on the individual circumstances of the applicant under consideration.

Letter from your treating doctor
If you are currently being treated for or have previously been treated for a sleep disorder and are considering applying for a position at Metro Trains Melbourne, please bring any relevant information from your treating practitioner detailing your medical condition with you to your medical assessment.