Drivers who use techniques like opening windows, turning up the radio, or chewing gum to stay awake while driving may be at a higher risk of having obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), a dangerous condition that interrupts breathing during sleep. A study found that almost a third of people with untreated OSA frequently used these strategies, compared to none of those without the condition. Those with OSA who used more than three techniques reported feeling sleepier in general and being more tired while driving, increasing the risk of accidents. Healthcare professionals should inquire about these strategies when assessing patients’ fitness to drive and discourage high-risk patients from driving.
Drivers who engage in certain behaviors while behind the wheel may be at a higher risk of having obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), according to a recent study conducted by researchers at St James’s University Hospital in Leeds. OSA is the most common form of sleep apnoea and can cause the muscles in the throat to relax during sleep, leading to interrupted breathing.
The study involved 119 people with untreated OSA and 105 people without the condition. The researchers found that almost a third of those with OSA frequently used three or more techniques to stay awake while driving, such as opening the window, turning up the radio, and drinking tea or coffee. In contrast, none of those without OSA reported using these strategies.
Interestingly, people with OSA who used more than three coping strategies reported feeling sleepier in general and more tired while driving. Moreover, over 22% of those with OSA using three or more techniques had been involved in an accident, compared to just 2.4% of those with OSA using fewer coping strategies. These findings suggest a link between untreated OSA, coping strategies, and an increased risk of collisions.
As a result, the researchers suggest that healthcare professionals should inquire about these strategies when assessing patients’ fitness to drive and discourage high-risk patients from driving. OSA is a prevalent health concern, estimated to affect one in five people, and can have serious cardiovascular consequences if left untreated. Many people with OSA are unaware of their condition, which further highlights the importance of raising awareness and identifying at-risk individuals.
Fatigue or sleepiness is believed to be a contributing factor in up to one-fifth of road collisions. Therefore, doctors have a duty of care to discourage patients with high-risk factors, such as untreated OSA, from driving. This study, published in the journal ERJ Open Research, further emphasizes the need to address OSA as a public health concern and implement measures to reduce the risk of accidents associated with the condition.