Crash risk soars among truck drivers who fail to adhere to sleep apnea treatment

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2016-03/aaos-crs030216.php

Public Release: 21-Mar-2016
Crash risk soars among truck drivers who fail to adhere to sleep apnea treatment
Transportation safety is threatened when obstructive sleep apnea remains untreated
American Academy of Sleep Medicine

Truck drivers who fail to adhere to treatment for obstructive sleep apnea are a public safety threat on U.S. roadways, according to results from the largest study of sleep apnea and crash risk among commercial motor vehicle drivers.

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Results show that the rate of serious, preventable crashes was 5 times higher among truck drivers with sleep apnea who failed to adhere to PAP therapy, compared with matched controls. In contrast, the crash rate of drivers with sleep apnea who were fully or partially adherent with treatment was statistically similar to controls.

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