Proposal for Prevention of Drowsy Driving-Related Motor Vehicle Accidents in Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea
- Author:
Jun-Sang SUNWOO
1
;
Jae Wook CHO
;
Soo Hwan YIM
;
Daeyoung KIM
;
Dae Lim KOO
;
Hee-Jin IM
;
Hyeyun KIM
;
Kyung Min KIM
;
Kwang IK YANG
;
Author Information
- Publication Type:2
- From:Journal of Sleep Medicine 2021;18(3):127-136
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
- Abstract: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is known to be associated with various health concerns, including sleepiness, fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, diminished quality of life, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and stroke. OSA-induced sleepiness at the wheel reduces vigilance and driving performance, which significantly increase the risk of motor vehicle accidents. Sleepiness-induced motor vehicle accidents are characterized by high morbidity and mortality. OSA is a well-established significant risk factor for drowsy driving-related motor vehicle accidents, which can be prevented through appropriate treatment. However, currently no clinical guidelines or regulations are available for evaluation or management of the risk of motor vehicle accidents in patients with OSA in Korea. In this review, we discuss the risk of motor vehicle accidents in patients with OSA, the effects of positive airway pressure therapy as a preventive measure to reduce this risk, and the published recommendations for OSA in other countries with regard to fitness to drive. We propose recommendations for screening, evaluation, and treatment of OSA with regard to the risk of motor vehicle accidents, which would serve as useful practical guidelines for sleep specialists in clinical practice. Further research is warranted to establish optimal strategies for effective improvements in OSA-related traffic safety.
