What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a breathing-related sleep disorder that causes brief interruptions of breathing during sleep. These pauses in breathing can last at least 10 seconds or more and can occur up to 400 times a night. Sleep apnea is a serious, potentially life-threatening condition that often goes unrecognized and undiagnosed. Study’s find that obstructive sleep apnea is associated with a significantly increased risk of motor vehicle accidents, and this risk is reduced when sleep apnea is treated effectively using continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy.

Study

Results show that patients with sleep apnea were nearly 2.5 times more likely to be the driver in a motor vehicle accident, compared with a control group of other drivers in the general population. Further risk analysis found that severe excessive daytime sleepiness, a short sleep duration of 5 hours or less, and use of sleeping pills were independent predictors of increased crash risk in patients with sleep apnea. The study also found that the incidence of motor vehicle accidents was reduced by 70 percent among sleep apnea patients who used CPAP therapy for an average of at least 4 hours per night.

“This study provides very strong evidence that obstructive sleep apnea patients have an increased traffic accident risk and that this risk can be modified if CPAP treatment is used adequately,” said principal investigator and senior author Dr. Ludger Grote, associate professor at the Center for Sleep and Vigilance Disorders at the Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg in Gothenburg, Sweden. 

*Source- AASM.org

Risk Factors for Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea occurs in all age groups and both sexes, but there are a number of factors that may put you at higher risk:

• A family history of sleep apnea

• Having a small upper airway

• Being overweight

• Having a recessed chin, small jaw, or a large overbite

• A large neck size (17 inches or greater for men, 16 inches or greater for women)

• Smoking and alcohol use

• Being age 40 or older

• Ethnicity
  
  

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

• Loud snoring

• Morning headaches and nausea

• Gasping or choking while sleeping

• Loss of sex drive/impotence

• Excessive daytime sleepiness

• Irritability and/or feelings of depression

• Disturbed sleep

• Concentration and memory problems

• Frequent nighttime urination

*Source- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)

Diagnosing Sleep Apnea

Your doctor can make an evaluation based on your signs and symptoms and a sleep history. To diagnose sleep apnea, your doctor may send you to a sleep center for testing. An evaluation often involves overnight monitoring of your breathing and other body functions during sleep.

**If you have any other questions about DOT Certifications for CPAP users call PreventivePLUS today 201.444.3060 or visit us in Bergen County at One West Ridgewood Ave. Paramus, NJ 07652

Author

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