Sleep Apnea & Road Safety
People suffering from obstructive sleep apnea know the challenges of a long road trip. Summer is quickly approaching, and we know that many people are planning to hop in the car to visit family and friends or take a scenic drive to one of the many national parks the Pacific Northwest has to offer. So, we thought sharing some tips for staying safe behind the wheel would be a good idea.
The Dangers of Driving with OSA
Obstructive sleep apnea robs people of precious sleep at night and makes days difficult as well. Many people with OSA find it challenging to stay awake during the day because they are simply not getting quality rest at night. It is also common for OSA sufferers to have problems with focus and concentration. Additionally, some are prone to increased irritability and mood swings. These symptoms are problematic if you plan to get behind the wheel, especially for a long trip or at night. Drowsy driving can lead to road accidents, causing injury or even death. Distracted driving is just as dangerous, and if you are feeling particularly irritable while behind the wheel, it can provoke road rage or aggressive driving, which is hazardous for yourself and those around you.
Road Safety Tips
We want to help everyone to be safe on the road, not just this summer, but always. Here are a few recommendations for embarking on a successful and safe road trip, whether you have sleep apnea or not.
- Plan ahead – Organizing a road trip can be a big undertaking, especially with kids in tow. We recommend making a written plan, starting well in advance, and staying on schedule as much as possible to prevent a mad dash to get everything together at the last minute. Planning ahead will keep you calmer overall and promote better sleep leading up to your trip. The goal is to be well rested and feel as good as possible before getting behind the wheel.
- Get to bed on time – The night before a road trip, you may be tempted to stay up late packing and making last-minute preparations, or you may just be too excited to sleep. Do what you can to relax and get to bed as early as practical, planning for at least 7 hours of sleep so you can wake up refreshed and ready to go.
- Let someone else take the wheel – If driving is problematic for you because of sleep apnea or you do not feel adequately rested before a trip, there is no shame in asking your spouse, partner, or travel companion to do the driving. In fact, it is the best strategy for staying safe on the road.
- Know your limits – Driving is not a contest. Be practical about how long you can drive without putting yourself and others at risk. Plan your trip in short increments, stop driving before you begin to feel weary or if you become irritated, and avoid driving at night. While it may take additional time to get to where you want to go, you are far more likely to arrive without incident.
We care about all of our patients and want them to have successful, safe, and fun experiences no matter where their plans take them. For more information about sleep apnea and the treatment options we offer, contact one of our locations in Silverdale, Federal Way, Bellevue, and Lynnwood, WA. We would love to hear from you.
