Can anyone give me any information about auto accidents and sleep apnea.  Can this problem cause someone to "black out" while driving?  Is this common?  Can you direct me to somewhere (or someone) who can give me more information about this specific type of problem?

Hi Bill,

Sufferers of severe sleep apnea are two to three times more likely to be involved in auto accidents than the general population, mainly due to falling asleep while driving (American College of Physician's article).

Here is a recent definitive study:

Reducing motor-vehicle collisions, costs, and fatalities by treating obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.


And further comment on the article in this UCSD press release:

Sleep Apnea Treatment Could Save Lives & Money By Reducing Auto Accidents, According to Researchers

Vicki


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That which does not kill you makes you stronger-Friedrich Nietzsche
Friedrich must of had apnea.

I drive from Dallas to Houston every week.  Before I was diagnosed with severe obstructive sleep apnea, I would catch myself falling asleep behind the wheel.  This happened several times, but Someone was looking after me and I wasn't involved in any accidents.  Since I've started CPAP, I don't have that problem any more.

BILL wrote:

Can anyone give me any information about auto accidents and sleep apnea.  Can this problem cause someone to "black out" while driving?  Is this common?  Can you direct me to somewhere (or someone) who can give me more information about this specific type of problem?

Hi Bill,

Vicki has posted some good links, worth looking at. I actually thought that the risk factor of a RTA was higher (8 or 9 times more likely).

The 'black out' you refer to is EDS (Excessive Daytime Sleepiness). This is a very common symptom of untreated sleep apnoea. In many states of the US, also the UK and many countries in Europe you must surrender your driving licence on diagnosis of sleep apnoea. It can be reapplied for as soon as symptoms are certified as being under control.

If you are suffering from this symptom, you should immediately have it seen to, and stop driving.


Daniel


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The untreated Sleep Apnoea sufferer died quietly in his sleep.......
Unlike his three passengers who died screaming !!!!!!

(Anon)