Sleep Apnea Sufferers May Be Road Hazard

According to an article just published today by Reuters Health, people who suffer from sleep apnea are likely to be less alert while driving and may be more vulnerable to the effects of alcohol than those who don't suffer from this breathing disorder. Untreated sleep apnea can be very dangerous and a serious health risk.

Sleep apnea occurs when you stop breathing while sleeping. People with sleep apnea may stop breathing for several seconds several hundred times a night. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) affects millions of Americans and is characterized by a temporary collapse of the tissues in the back of the throat during sleep, causing you to stop breathing for brief periods of time. Untreated sleep apnea may lead to:

High blood pressure
Heart attack
Depression
Anxiety
Diabetes
Fatigue
Stroke
Mood swings
Memory problems

According to statistics, OSA may be a factor in as many as 1,400 traffic fatalities annually in the United States. The study found that drivers suffering from sleep apnea had more difficulty staying in their lane and were more likely to crash during a simulated virtual road trip than drivers without OSA.

If you live in the Gurnee, Illinois area and feel you or your partner may suffer from sleep apnea, Dr. Ira Shapira, sleep apnea specialist, will meet with you and perform a complete evaluation. There are many viable sleep apnea treatment options available today, and Dr. Shapira can certainly help you just as he has helped thousands of others suffering from this dangerous disorder.