LEEDS, England — Drivers who roll down their windows, blast the radio, chew gum, or sing might be exhibiting signs of a serious snoring disorder, warns a new study. The research also suggests that excessively consuming tea or coffee to remain awake could indicate the presence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
It’s estimated that approximately 20 percent of the population suffers from sleep apnea, which can lead to excessive daytime sleepiness, increasing the risk of vehicular accidents for those untreated. Yet, the majority of those affected are unaware of their condition. Common symptoms include loud snoring, interrupted breathing during sleep, and frequent awakenings.
Up to one-fifth of collisions on the road may be caused by fatigue or sleepiness. Many OSA patients drive either for personal or for professional reasons and there is good evidence to suggest that some patients are at increased risk of collisions on the road, says Dr. Akshay Dwarakanath from St James’s University Hospital in Leeds, in a media release.
The study involved 119 untreated OSA patients and 105 non-OSA individuals, examining their use of alertness strategies while driving, history of driving incidents, and general sleepiness levels. The findings revealed that sleep apnea patients were more likely to employ such strategies compared to their non-OSA counterparts.
Notably, almost one-third of OSA participants frequently used over three coping strategies, a practice not observed in non-OSA individuals. Researchers also discovered that OSA patients employing multiple strategies experienced greater general and driving-related sleepiness and had a higher incidence of crashes.
Common strategies among sleep apnea patients included opening windows, consuming tea or coffee, and increasing the radio volume. Other tactics involved singing or talking to themselves, changing seating positions, chewing gum or eating, taking walking breaks, fidgeting or exercising, resting, and washing their face with cold water.
The study emphasizes the need for healthcare professionals to inquire about such strategies when assessing a patient’s driving fitness.
Doctors are often asked to make recommendations about their patient’s fitness to drive. This can be challenging as it can have major implications on a patient’s livelihood, particularly if they are a professional driver. However, there is a duty of care on doctors to discourage patients from driving if they are at high risk of causing a collision. Our research suggests that untreated OSA patients often use coping strategies that could be surrogate markers of sleepiness, Dr. Dwarakanath emphasizes. Asking about these strategies in the clinic may help doctors identify patients who are at risk of driving incidents and provide appropriate advice.
The study, published in the journal ERJ Open Research, highlights the importance of recognizing behaviors aimed at maintaining alertness while driving as potential indicators of OSA.
Obstructive sleep apnea is of high public health relevance due to its high prevalence, symptoms that impair quality of life, and potential cardiovascular consequences, says Dr. Esther Schwarz from the University Hospital Zurich in Switzerland. In addition to choking, fragmented sleep and unrefreshing sleep, possible symptoms include difficulty concentrating, tiredness, and a tendency to fall asleep during the day.
With approximately 20 percent of the population affected by sleep apnea, this research shines a light on the need for increased awareness and early diagnosis of the condition. By identifying coping strategies used by drivers to combat sleepiness, healthcare professionals can play a vital role in ensuring road safety and preventing accidents caused by individuals unaware of their undiagnosed sleep disorders.
