Sleep apnea and the risk of road accidents

If you suffer from sleep apnea, you probably experience fatigue, daytime drowsiness and a reduced level of alertness. All of these factors increase your risk of falling asleep at the wheel. Scientists have proven that people with sleep apnea have a significantly increased risk of car accidents.¹

In the United States alone, it is estimated that 310,000 sleep apnea-related collisions occur per year, causing 1,400 fatalities and $15.9 billion in collision costs.²

Studies have also shown that the risks of driving while half asleep can be just as dangerous as when driving illegally under the influence of alcohol.³ Indeed, people who suffer from sleep apnea are more dangerous than drunk drivers.⁴

When patients are treated for sleep apnea, the risk of collisions due to sleep apnea is significantly decreased.⁵

If you display any symptoms of sleep apnea, talk to your doctor about getting proper treatment. ResMed can help you find a good night’s sleep and lower your risk of road accidents. Discover other benefits of treatment.

References

Young T, Blustein J, Finn L, Palta M. Sleep-disordered breathing and motor vehicle accidents in a population-based sample of employed adults. Sleep 1997;20(8):608-13.
Sassani A, Findley LJ, Kryger M, Goldlust E, George C, Davidson TM. Reducing motor-vehicle collisions, costs, and fatalities by treating obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Sleep 2004;27(3):453-8.

3: Powell NB, Schechtman KB, Riley RW, Li K, Troell R, Guilleminault C. The road to danger: the comparative risks of driving while sleepy. Laryngoscope 2001;111(5):887-93.

4: George CF, Boudreau AC, Smiley A. Simulated driving performance in patients with obstructive sleep apnea. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 1996;154(1):175-81.

5: Findley L, Smith C, Hooper J, Dineen M, Suratt PM. Treatment with nasal CPAP decreases automobile accidents in patients with sleep apnea. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2000;161: 857-9.