Sergio began working in agriculture at the age of 12, pruning and harvesting walnut orchards alongside his mother during the summer months. While helping support his family, he experienced ongoing symptoms that affected both his physical health and academic performance, including excessive daytime fatigue, chronic sleep deprivation, and difficulty concentrating in school. Over time, these challenges also took a toll on his mental well-being, as poor sleep is closely linked to stress, mood changes, reduced focus, and overall emotional health.
For many years, Sergio’s symptoms went undiagnosed. It was not until this year, after a California AgrAbility Case Manager supported Sergio’s mother in seeking appropriate medical care, that he was evaluated and diagnosed with sleep apnea. This intervention marked an important step toward improving not only his sleep and physical health, but also his mental wellness, and energy levels.
Safety is another critical part of Sergio’s story. Agricultural work often involves long hours around heavy equipment and machinery, including during almond harvests where alertness and quick reaction times are essential. Untreated sleep apnea and chronic fatigue can increase the risk of workplace injuries, making access to proper diagnosis and treatment especially important for Sergio’s long-term health and safety.