Sleep Apnea and Motor Vehicle Accidents: A Hidden Danger

How Sleep Apnea Contributes to Road Hazards

Sleep apnea, especially untreated obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), doesn’t just disrupt your nightly rest—it can also put lives at risk on the road. Studies show that people with untreated OSA are significantly more likely to be involved in motor vehicle accidents. Fatigue caused by poor sleep impacts your ability to focus, react, and make split-second decisions, making drowsy driving a major safety issue.

What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

OSA occurs when the airway becomes blocked during sleep, causing pauses in breathing. These interruptions reduce oxygen levels and lead to poor-quality sleep, even if you think you’ve had a full night’s rest. A lack of restorative sleep often results in daytime drowsiness, which directly impacts your ability to stay alert behind the wheel.

The Risks of Driving with Untreated OSA

Drivers with untreated sleep apnea face:

1. Slower Reaction Times – Lack of sleep reduces cognitive speed, delaying crucial responses to road hazards.

2. Inability to Focus – Sleep deprivation makes concentrating on driving for extended periods extremely difficult.

3. Microsleep Episodes – Brief, unintentional lapses into sleep (lasting just seconds) can occur without warning, often leading to accidents.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that drowsy driving contributes to over 100,000 crashes annually, and untreated sleep apnea is often a factor.

Treatment Can Make Roads Safer

The good news? Treating sleep apnea can dramatically lower your risk of accidents. At Sleep Better Breathe Better Denver, we specialize in oral appliance therapy, a comfortable and effective way to manage OSA. These custom-fit devices keep your airway open while you sleep, promoting better rest and reducing daytime fatigue.

For added convenience, we also offer home sleep testing, a simple, hassle-free way to diagnose sleep apnea from the comfort of your own bed.

Why Addressing Sleep Apnea Matters

Managing sleep apnea isn’t just about improving your energy levels; it’s about ensuring safety for you and others on the road. By restoring healthy sleep patterns, oral appliance therapy can help you regain the focus and alertness you need to drive safely.

Start Your Journey Toward Safer Sleep

If you or a loved one experiences excessive daytime sleepiness, chronic snoring, or other symptoms of sleep apnea, don’t wait to seek help. At Sleep Better Breathe Better Denver, we’re committed to helping you breathe easier, sleep better, and live safer.

Call us today at (303) 753-0922

or visit us at: 425 S. Cherry St., Suite #210

Denver, CO 80246