Risk Factors for Motor Vehicle Accidents in Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Patients With Long-Term Continuous Positive
Jere Jaakkola1, Thijs Feuth2, Ulla Anttalainen3,4
1University of Turku, Turku, Finland.
Journal of Sleep Research
|August 6, 2026
Summary
Obstructive sleep apnea patients on long-term CPAP therapy experiencing driving sleepiness are often younger and have higher insomnia and depression scores. Weight gain also increases the risk of sleepiness while driving.
Area of Science:
- Sleep Medicine
- Neurology
- Public Health
Background:
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common sleep disorder.
- Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is a primary treatment for OSA.
- Long-term CPAP use aims to mitigate OSA symptoms, but residual risks like driving sleepiness may persist.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify risk factors for driving sleepiness, motor vehicle accidents, and near-miss incidents in OSA patients undergoing long-term CPAP therapy.
- To analyze the association between demographic factors, OSA-related symptoms, and driving safety events.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 1327 OSA patients on long-term CPAP therapy.
- Data collected via questionnaires on self-reported driving sleepiness, accidents, near-misses, and OSA symptoms.
- Statistical analysis comparing patient groups based on driving safety events.
Main Results:
- 21.3% of patients reported sleepiness, near-misses, or accidents while driving.
- These patients were younger and had higher scores on the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, Insomnia Severity Index, and Depression Scale.
- Weight gain exceeding 5 kg over 5 years was significantly associated with increased driving sleepiness.
Conclusions:
- Driving sleepiness in long-term CPAP-treated OSA patients is linked to weight gain, depressive symptoms, and insomnia.
- These findings highlight the importance of monitoring weight and mental health in OSA patients on CPAP therapy.
- Further research may explore targeted interventions to improve driving safety in this population.
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