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Sleep Apnea May Increase Chances of an Auto Accident

Sleep Apnea is a condition caused when the muscles in the back of the throat become too relaxed and cause a reduction in normal breathing.

sleep apneaThousands of auto accidents occur in Missouri every year, and most of them are attributed to some common causes such as distracted driving, drunk driving, recklessness, speeding, and some other reasons. However, apart from these commonly known reasons some other risk factors too can contribute to an auto accident. These include some health conditions that can impair a driver’s ability to see, hear, or identify roadway hazards. This affects a drivers ability to effectively respond to such hazards.

One of the lesser known health conditions that increase the chances of a driver getting involved in a car accident or any other form of vehicle accident is Sleep Apnea. Although some people have heard about this health condition, many people suffer from this condition, and a lot of them do not even know that they have this health condition.

According to some facts available with the attorney, sleep apnea is very common among truck drivers because of their lifestyle. A study published in Journal of Sleep Medicine has confirmed that excessive daytime drowsiness, due to sleep apnea, increases the risk of an auto accident.

It is believed that as many as 20-30 percent vehicle accidents that involve a truck/trailer are caused due to sleep apnea. So, the lawyer believes that drivers should be educated on this health condition, and if they feel that they have symptoms of this disease they should get it medically tested and treated as it can seriously impair their ability to drive safely. In this post, we will discuss sleep apnea, its symptoms and how it leads to car accidents.

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep Apnea is a condition caused when the muscles in the back of the throat become too relaxed and cause a reduction in normal breathing. Due to this, the person who is sleeping wakes up. People who have serious sleep apnea wake up a number of times during the night, which causes them to feel sleepy the next day. Due to sleepiness, those with sleep apnea are less likely to be 100% alert during the day.

What are the symptoms and signs of Sleep Apnea?

  • Concentration problems
  • Memory problems
  • Snorting and gasping
  • Loud Snoring
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Excessive daytime drowsiness

What are the risk factors for sleep apnea?

Obesity: Obese individuals are more prone to sleep apnea

Nasal obstruction: Allergies, deviated septum, and sinus problems cause sleep apnea

Age: People who are older than 40 years are at a higher risk

Men: Males are more likely to suffer from sleep apnea

Large neck: Men<17 inches, Women<15 inches

Auto Accident Attorney – St. Louis, MO

If you or someone close to you has become a victim of an auto accident, contact an auto accident attorney at The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C.to discuss your legal rights. Our car accident lawyer can evaluate your case for free, educate you on your legal options, and help you deal with the party at fault and their insurance company to get compensation for injuries and property damage.

Call us today at (314) 361-4242 to schedule a free consultation.

photo credit: B Rosen via Flickr

Updated: May 8, 2018