Sleep Apnea and Driving: Why Daytime Drowsiness is Dangerous
Key Takeaways
- Snoring, daytime drowsiness, morning headaches, and difficulty concentrating are all common signs of sleep apnea.
- Untreated sleep apnea can slow reaction times, impair judgment, and significantly increase the risk of car accidents.
- Managing sleep apnea with options like CPAP therapy can reduce daytime fatigue and help you drive more safely.
Sleep apnea isn’t just loud snoring. It is a serious sleep condition that can interfere with rest, affect daytime performance, and even make driving dangerous. Understanding the symptoms and their impact can help you take the right steps toward getting better sleep and driving safely.
Signs and Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common type of sleep apnea. It occurs when the muscles in the back of the throat relax and block your breathing for a short time. How long the breathing is blocked varies from just a few seconds to a minute, or more. When breathing stops, you wake up before hopefully falling back to sleep. This type of periodic waking and sleeping can happen as many as 400 times in a single night.
Snoring is the most common symptom associated with sleep apnea. But there are other common symptoms of sleep apnea, including:
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Daytime drowsiness
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Chocking or gasping during sleep
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Memory problems
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Difficulty concentrating
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Irritability
Can Sleep Apnea Affect Driving?
Yes. Sleep apnea can have a huge impact on a person’s driving performance. In fact, one study¹ indicated that severe sleep apnea was directly associated with a 123% increased risk of having an automobile accident as compared to drivers who do not experience sleep apnea.
Those who have untreated sleep apnea can have daytime drowsiness. Driving while drowsy can cause microsleeps,² which is when a person dozes off for just a few seconds. Being drowsy or dozing off even for a short time can easily cause a collision.
Even if you don’t actually fall asleep, sleep deprivation caused by lack of sleep can lead to mental impairment that is very much like driving under the influence of alcohol.³ This type of impairment causes the driver to be less attentive to their surroundings and be more easily distracted. Reaction times are slowed, which makes it more difficult to avoid roadway dangers. Insufficient sleep is also linked to poor or slower decision-making, which can increase risks of accidents when behind the wheel.
Can You Still Drive If You Have Sleep Apnea?
You can still drive if you have sleep apnea. With proper treatment you can improve your sleep, which helps reduce daytime drowsiness. CPAP therapy using a CPAP machine is the most effective treatment for sleep apnea, which can alleviate negative symptoms like daytime sleepiness.⁴
Tips for Driving When You Have Sleep Apnea
Undiagnosed or untreated sleep apnea can put you in danger if you get behind the wheel. There are a lot of options available that can help you meet your travel needs and stay safe at the same time. Check out these tips.
Take Someone With You
Having someone ride with you in a vehicle can help you stay alert and awake. They can provide engaging conversation, share snacks, or play music to help keep you alert. A passenger can also drive for you if you start feeling tired or just need a break.
Take Breaks During Long Road Trips
Taking a long road trip? Taking breaks to grab a snack or take a quick walk can help you stay alert and engaged while driving. Sitting for long periods can make a person tired, whether they have sleep apnea or not. The risk of becoming tired or drowsy can be greatly reduced by taking breaks along the way.
Getting out and moving around can help improve circulation and alertness. Stopping about every two hours, or every 100 miles just to stretch or walk around can help keep you alert.
Avoid Driving During Peak Sleepiness Hours
Peak sleepiness hours are midnight to 6 a.m., and the late afternoon hours. During these hours, your body’s internal clock can make you feel sleepier. Avoid driving during these times if at all possible.
Stay Hydrated and Eat Healthy Snacks
Dehydration can lead to drowsiness, too. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, coconut water, or other non-caffeinated drinks. Eating healthy snacks can also help boost your energy levels, whether you are driving or not. Proper hydration and healthy snacks is a winning combination for your brain and body while you are traveling.
Consider Public Transportation
Sleep apnea, if left untreated, can lead to excessive daytime sleepiness, making driving even short distances dangerous. Taking public transportation can be a safer option than driving if it is available in your area. It’s an inexpensive way to get where you need to go and do so safely.
Conclusion
Sleep apnea can impact a lot more than your sleep. If left untreated, it can impact your focus, reaction time, and safety during the day, especially when driving. Recognizing the signs and symptoms is the first step toward getting the help you need. With proper diagnosis and treatment, such as CPAP therapy, many people see a dramatic improvement in their sleep quality and alertness. If you suspect you have sleep apnea, talk to your healthcare provider. Addressing the condition not only improves your overall health but also helps keep you and everyone else on the road safe.
The CPAP Shop is your source for CPAP machines, masks, and accessories. Still have questions? Give us a call at 866-414-9700 to speak with an expert who can help you get the equipment you need for a good night’s sleep.
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References
- Tregear, S., Reston, J., Schoelles, K., & Phillips, B. (2009). Obstructive sleep apnea and risk of motor vehicle crash: Systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Medicine, 7(36). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12916-018-1025-7
- Philip, P., Sagaspe, P., Taillard, J., Valtat, C., Moore, N., Akerstedt, T., ... & Bioulac, B. (2013). Fatigue, sleep restriction and driving performance. Accident Analysis & Prevention, 59, 200–207. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aap.2013.06.021
- Dawson, D., & Reid, K. (1997). Fatigue, alcohol and performance impairment. Nature, 388, 235. https://doi.org/10.1038/40775
- Killgore, W. D. S. (2010). Effects of sleep deprivation on cognition. Progress in Brain Research, 185, 105–129. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-444-53702-7.00007-5
