Sleepiness-Related Accidents in Sleep Apnea Patients

Fatigue and sleep disorders contribute to more motor vehicle accidents (MVAs) than alcohol and drugs combined. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) publishes statistics each year that include the incidence of sleep disorders, including sleep apnea, causing driver fatigue and impairment. This article highlights the substantially increased risk of MVAs in drivers with sleep apnea, where this condition is almost always undetected and therefore untreated. Screening employees for sleep apnea as part of a comprehensive health and wellness program improves productivity, lowers liability, and reduces health care consumption.