Drivers with Sleep Apnea – A Deadly Blend

Drivers with sleep apnea continue to be a hazard, and pose a worrisome combination. Hundreds of International researchers and doctors convened at the 3rd Annual Swedish Sleep Medicine Congress this past April in Gothenburg, where an important research study which examined public transportation drivers in Sweden who had undiagnosed sleep apnea. Results could potentially impact professional drivers everywhere for years to come.

Mahssa Karimi of the Center for Sleep and Vigilance Disorders presented her findings of a study conducted which examined sleep disorders of 116 bus and tram drivers in Gothenburg. The researchers had to first diagnose the drivers, many of whom had not previously sought medical attention for sleep disorders and sleep apnea. It was discovered that 19% had sleep apnea.

Since past studies have linked drivers with sleep apnea to a higher rate of car and truck crashes, these findings point to the importance of getting sleep apnea patients, especially those who are on the roads for a living, the treatment they need to keep the public safe. As Karimi said, “Our findings suggest that it's important to systematically examine professional drivers and other professional groups entrusted with the safety of others in order to be able to treat any sleep disorders, as their work demands alertness and concentration at all times."

Two years ago, a study published in the medical journal Thorax and conducted by Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute and University of British Columbia revealed that sleep apnea patients are at double the risk of being in a car crash, and are three to five times more likely to be in a serious car crash involving personal injury. In the largest study of its kind, researchers used data from the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia to study 1,600 patients with and without sleep apnea.

In another study conducted by the medical director of Lifespan's Employee Health and Occupational Services, Dr. Philip Parks, and The Cambridge Health Alliance, further showed the link of obesity in truck drivers and sleep apnea. Researchers examined 456 truck drivers from more than 50 employers. Of those, 17% had Obstructive Sleep Apnea, most who were older, obese and had higher than average blood pressure. "It is well-known that obesity, a leading risk factor for obstructive sleep apnea, is on the rise in the United States. Truck drivers with sleep apnea have up to a 7-fold increased risk of being involved in a motor vehicle crash," said Dr. Parks. Due to that study, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is deliberating recommendations to require sleep apnea screening for all obese drivers based on body mass index.

Unfortunately, many of the patients in these studies didn’t even report that they had daytime sleepiness, suggesting that many don’t realize they have sleep apnea and aren’t aware of the potential hazard they cause while driving. Considering that sleep apnea causes excessive daytime sleepiness, impairs motor skills and diminishes thought function, we at Manhattan Snoring and Sleep Center strongly recommend that if you suspect that you have any symptoms of sleep apnea, you seek diagnosis and treatment right away, especially if you drive professionally. The risks to yourself and others when you’re on the road make sleep apnea and driving a dangerous combination. Contact us today.