Falling Asleep At The Wheel Experts Uncover The Risk Factors



Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy reduces rate of traffic accidents in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), according to a new study.

Published by Blackwell Publishing in the official English language journal of the Japanese Society of Sleep 's8211; Sleep and Biological Rhythms 's8211; researchers have found that a high body mass index (BMI) and excessive daytime sleepiness are the high risk factors for OSAS patients when determining their traffic accident potential.

Researchers from the Toranomon Hospital in Japan surveyed traffic accidents incurred by patients with OSAS to determine the prevalence of traffic accidents 's8211; conducting an assessment of their independent risk factors before and after the initiation of CPAP therapy respectively in the process.

It is estimated that 43% of OSAS patients had had traffic accidents .

The results of the study saw patients encounter traffic accidents when driving at a low speed - as in a traffic jam. The significant risk factors contributing to these circumstances were higher age, presence of residual excessive daytime sleepiness, and higher BMI.

Congruent with previous studies reporting that the number of crashes and severity of injury in relation to distance driven is highest in young drivers aged between 15 and 25 years, and in older drivers aged over 65 years 's8211; it is worth noting that aging becomes a significant risk factor when the syndrome of excessive daytime sleepiness is improved by successful CPAP therapy.

Lead author Ms. Akiko Yoshino noted, 's8220;It would be beneficial to establish a system for detecting unrecognized obstructive sleep apnea syndrome with a view to treatment, in order to reduce the prevalence of traffic accidents . In addition, it is necessary to check for residual sleepiness after treatment with continuous positive airway pressure. We would also advise patients to lose some weight.'s8221;



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This study is published in Sleep and Biological Rhythms (2006); 4: 144 - 152. Media wishing to receive a PDF or to interview the authors, please contact alina.boey@asia.blackwellpublishing.com .

About Sleep and Biological Rhythms
Enhancing medicine and medical treatments related to sleep, Sleep and Biological Rhythms provides world-class scientific research into sleep science, sleep disorder medicine and the management of sleep. In this truly interdisciplinary field, the Journal probes the mechanisms of sleep and wakefulness, publishing areas from basic science and all branches of medicine, dentistry, and pharmacology, to psychology, physical science, and engineering, as well as public health, occupational health and other branches of sociology.

About Blackwell Publishing
Blackwell Publishing is the world's8217;s leading society publisher, partnering with 665 academic and professional societies. Blackwell publishes over 800 journals and, to date has published close to 6,000 books, across a wide range of academic, medical, and professional subjects. The company remains independent with 950 staff members in offices in the US, UK, Australia, China, Denmark, Singapore, Germany, and Japan. Blackwell's8217;s mission as an expert publisher is to create long-term partnerships with clients to enhance learning, disseminate research, and improve the quality of professional practice. For more information on Blackwell Publishing, please visit www.blackwellpublishing.com or www.blackwell-synergy.com.
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Falling Asleep At The Wheel Experts Uncover The Risk Factors