We all know the dangers of drunk or distracted driving, but there’s another silent threat on the road that’s just as dangerous: drowsy driving, often caused by sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a common but serious sleep disorder that causes repeated pauses in breathing throughout the night. These interruptions prevent deep, restorative sleep, leaving sufferers chronically fatigued — even if they think they’ve had a full night’s rest. In fact, studies show that people with sleep apnea are up to 5 times more likely to be involved in a car accident. Here are 5 major dangers of drowsy driving caused by sleep apnea and why addressing your sleep health could save your life.
1. Slower Reaction Times
Just like alcohol, sleep deprivation slows your brain’s ability to process information. When you’re tired, your reflexes lag, and it takes longer to respond to sudden changes, like a car stopping ahead of you or an animal darting into the road.
For someone with sleep apnea, these micro-sleeps and delayed reactions can be constant threats behind the wheel. A split-second delay in braking or swerving could mean the difference between a close call and a serious collision.
2. Impaired Judgment and Focus
Driving requires constant focus, but fatigue from sleep apnea makes it difficult to stay mentally sharp. People with untreated sleep apnea often experience “brain fog,” difficulty concentrating, and lapses in attention, all of which are dangerous on the road.
You may not even realize how tired you are until your eyelids start to droop or you find yourself drifting between lanes. The lack of oxygen caused by repeated breathing interruptions during sleep also impairs cognitive function, making it harder to make quick, safe decisions while driving.
3. Increased Risk of Falling Asleep at the Wheel
The scariest danger of all is the possibility of falling asleep while driving. Even nodding off for a few seconds at highway speeds can be catastrophic. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), drowsy driving causes roughly 100,000 crashes and 1,500 deaths each year in the U.S. — and sleep apnea is one of the leading underlying causes.
People with untreated sleep apnea often experience extreme daytime sleepiness because their bodies never achieve full, restful sleep at night. This makes them more likely to experience dangerous “microsleeps” — brief moments of unconsciousness lasting just a few seconds.
4. Mood Changes and Irritability
Sleep apnea doesn’t just cause physical exhaustion; it also affects your mood and emotional stability. People who are sleep-deprived are more likely to be irritable, impatient, or easily frustrated, emotions that can contribute to aggressive or reckless driving behaviors.
A calm, focused mindset is crucial for safe driving. Chronic fatigue from sleep apnea can make it harder to manage stress and control emotions, especially in challenging traffic situations.
5. Long-Term Health Risks That Affect Driving
Untreated sleep apnea doesn’t just cause fatigue — it’s linked to high blood pressure, heart disease, and reduced oxygen flow to the brain. These health issues can worsen fatigue and impair alertness even further, compounding the risk of drowsy driving. Over time, the constant strain on your cardiovascular system can lead to serious complications that make driving even more dangerous.
Drowsy driving caused by sleep apnea is a real and life-threatening problem. If you often feel tired during the day, snore loudly, or wake up gasping for air, it’s time to talk to your doctor or dentist about getting tested for sleep apnea. Don’t let fatigue steer your future — take control of your sleep and protect yourself and others on the road.
About the Practice
Do you wake up groggy? Do you feel tired during the day even though you slept 8 hours? If so, you could be suffering from sleep apnea. At GoTo Sleep Center, we can treat your apnea and help you get the precious rest that you need to power through your day. Our oral appliances worn at night will keep your airways open and keep you sleeping peacefully, which in turn will energize you for the day ahead. Ready to take back your sleep? Schedule an appointment with us online or call (623) 254-7433.
Physicians
Take a Sleep Study