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Insomnia, hypnotic use, and road collisions: a population-based, 5-year cohort study
Charles M Morin1,2, Ellemarije Altena3,4, Hans Ivers1,2
1École de psychologie, Université Laval, Québec, Canada.
Sleep
|March 1, 2020
Summary
Insomnia and sleep medication use increase accident risks, particularly for young women experiencing daytime fatigue. These factors contribute significantly to road collisions, highlighting a need for targeted interventions.
Area of Science:
- Sleep Medicine
- Accident Prevention
- Public Health
Background:
- Insomnia and hypnotic medication use are prevalent issues.
- Accidental risks associated with these conditions require further investigation.
- The interplay of sex and age with these risks is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between insomnia, hypnotic medication use, and accidental risks.
- To explore how sex and age modify these associations.
- To identify specific risk factors for road collisions.
Main Methods:
- A population-based sample of 3,413 adults was surveyed annually for five years.
- Data collected included sleep patterns, sleep medication usage, and road collisions.
- Statistical analyses, including hazard ratios, were used to assess risks.
Main Results:
- Insomnia (HR=1.20) and daytime fatigue (HR=1.21) were significantly associated with road collisions.
- Chronic (HR=1.50) and regular (HR=1.58) use of sleep medications increased accidental risks.
- Young females with insomnia and excessive daytime sleepiness represented a particularly high-risk group.
Conclusions:
- Insomnia and sleep medication use are linked to significant road collision risks, likely due to daytime consequences like fatigue and poor concentration.
- Young women with insomnia and excessive daytime sleepiness are identified as a novel at-risk group.
- Findings underscore the importance of addressing sleep disturbances to mitigate accident risks.
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