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Sleep disordered breathing and driving risk.
Robert D Vorona1, J Catesby Ware
1Division of Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, USA. voronard@evms.edu
Current Opinion in Pulmonary Medicine
|October 24, 2002
Summary
Obstructive sleep apnea increases motor vehicle accident risk. Driving simulators can identify at-risk drivers and show treatment benefits, suggesting cost-effective accident prevention for sleep apnea patients.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Public Health
- Transportation Safety
Background:
- Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) significantly elevates the risk of motor vehicle accidents (MVAs).
- Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of accidental death, with sleep apnea being a contributing factor.
- Clinicians must address safe driving concerns in patients diagnosed with sleep apnea.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of driving simulator technology in identifying drivers with OSAS.
- To assess the impact of treatment for OSAS on driving performance.
- To determine the cost-effectiveness of preventing driving accidents in OSAS patients.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing driving simulator technology to differentiate between drivers with OSAS and control groups.
- Assessing driving capabilities before and after treatment with nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP).
- Analyzing the cost-effectiveness of interventions aimed at reducing driving accidents in OSAS populations.
Main Results:
- Driving simulator technology effectively distinguished between apneic drivers and control drivers.
- Simulator data indicated that OSAS patients at lower risk for crashes could be identified.
- Treatment with nasal CPAP rapidly improved driving capabilities in patients with OSAS to baseline levels.
Conclusions:
- Driving simulators are valuable tools for assessing driving risks associated with OSAS.
- Nasal CPAP treatment offers a rapid and effective means to improve driving safety in OSAS patients.
- Educating patients on drowsy driving and documenting treatment efficacy are crucial for accident prevention and appear cost-effective.