Research Confirms Sleep Apnea Sufferers' Increased Accident Risk

The scientific journal Thorax recently published a study showing that people with sleep apnea are twice as likely to be involved in an auto accident as those who enjoy uninterrupted sleep. Researchers from the Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute and the University of British Columbia studied 1600 people, some with and some without apnea. And they found that sleep apnea sufferers tended to be involved in even more serious crashes as well. Sleep apnea sufferers were 3 to 5 times more likely to be involved in a crash that involves personal injury.

Although previous studies have identified the risk of car crashes among sleep apnea sufferers, this is the largest study yet, and the first time that researchers investigated the severity of the crashes. The study also found that the risk of crash was not necessarily correlated with the severity of sleep apnea. Said one researcher, "Even those patients with fairly mild sleep apnea had an increased risk of serious crashes." Even though daytime sleepiness is a common sign of sleep apnea, researchers found that the risk of crashes was not correlated with self-reported sleepiness, leading them to conclude that "patients may not be aware of the potential driving hazards caused by sleep apnea."

As a result of this increased risk, the co-author of the study said, "we feel it is important for people with suspected sleep apnea to be assessed for this common disorder for which there are several effective treatments."

If you have any of the symptoms of sleep apnea, contact the Snoring and Sleep Apnea Treatment Center today for a free initial sleep apnea consultation and avoid risking your life on the road.