Sleep Apnea Snoring Sounds
Sleep apnea, characterized by frequent respiratory pauses during sleep, most often occur in snorers. According to one study, this syndrome increases the reaction time at the wheel and reduces the attention, even if slight apnea without sleepiness.
1. Sleep apnea the buzzer
Sleep apnea is defined by frequent pauses in breathing during sleep, as frequently found in people who snore. In severe cases, this syndrome can cause fatigue and sleepiness during the day, resulting in an increased risk of road accidents, work and home.
Sleep apnea is common: 6% of the population would be affected by sleep apnea with daytime sleepiness.
Recent results at the wheel, patients with sleep apnea are less efficient, especially in time of braking. The particularity of this study is that it has been conducted in people with mild sleep apnea, which do not produce daytime sleepiness. This means that the phenomenon observed here must be strongly potentiated in patients with severe sleep apnea …
Late braking, even in cases of mild apnea: 1 / 2 seconds = 9 m
The reflexes of 20 people suffering from sleep apnea and 20 controls, all drivers found to have been tested. The reaction time and distance required for stopping have been calculated in three different situations: situation distraction (the driver is asked to put the wipers), anticipation (the driver has already prepared his foot on the brake) and standard.
People with sleep apnea are on average half a second longer to brake, that is to say they travel 9 m before pressing the brake if they travel at 40 km / h and 18 m 130 km / h. The risk of collision is doubled in these subjects.
Tests of attention show that the performances are similar in both groups, but people have sleep apnea more difficult to do two things at once and focus their attention.
And finally, the drowsiness of subjects was assessed using a test of arousal, showing that in this study, people with sleep apnea do not go faster than controls. They therefore suffer from some form of mild sleep apnea.
Last step, all driving tests were repeated after recovery from apnea by continuous positive airway pressure. They then become similar in the two groups.
Treatment with continuous positive airway pressure involves placing a mask during the night on the nose powered by a small compressor that pushes air.
In conclusion, the consequences of sleep apnea in terms of road safety may be much more dangerous than previously thought. While the apnea light generated within a half second before braking, 9 m, what is it for people with severe apnea, after an hour’s drive late in the day?
It is important to encourage people with apnea to be consulted to make a diagnosis and treat this condition that can be dangerous, for oneself and for others …
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Tags: apnea, sleep, sleep apnea, snoring
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