Sleep Apnea Linked to Increased Risk of Traffic Accidents

    LOS ANGELES, CA, April 03, 2015 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Sleep apnea has been linked to several major health problems, including cardiovascular disease, stroke, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. A recent study indicates that it may also be associated with an increased risk of motor vehicle crashes. According to the study, which was performed by researchers at the University of Gothenburg in Sweden and published in the journal "SLEEP," sleep apnea is strongly correlated with traffic accidents, but proper treatment can significantly reduce this risk.

The study used data from nearly 1,500 sleep apnea patients and information from the Swedish Traffic Accident Registry. Sleep apnea patients were found to be 2 1/2 times more likely to have an accident than drivers without sleep apnea. Other factors that were correlated with accident risk included sleeping fewer than five hours a night, using sleeping aids, or having severe daytime sleepiness. The risk was reduced by an incredible 70 percent once CPAP therapy was initiated. Sleep Solution Doctors encourages patients with symptoms of sleep apnea to get tested and properly treated.

According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, drowsy driving is responsible for more than 300,000 crashes annually with nearly 6,500 of those crashes involving fatalities. A sleep lab study can accurately diagnose those with symptoms of sleep apnea and help identify the most appropriate therapy for a patient's needs. Sleep Solution Doctors is designed to match patients with sleep specialists in their local area. These specialists include EENT doctors, dentists, pediatricians, and others with a primary focus on sleep disorders, including not just sleep apnea but also insomnia, snoring, and other sleep problems.

CPAP therapy is the most common sleep apnea treatment and is generally extremely effective when administered and used properly. Continuous positive airway pressure is administered through a mask that covers the nose or the nose and mouth both. This airway pressure prevents the obstruction that can cause snoring, interfere with breathing, and keep patients from getting a good night's sleep.

About Sleep Solution Doctors

Sleep Solution Doctors is a service that connects patients and doctors. Easy-to-use tools allow patients to find specialists in their own area, and with a few clicks of the mouse, they can schedule an appointment. The site is convenient and simple to navigate. Patients can also explore the site to learn more about their conditions, catch up on the latest industry-related news, and get answers to the most common sleep disorder questions.

# # #