Sleep apnea is a condition that disrupts breathing while a person is asleep. There are two main types of sleep apnea: central and obstructive. Central is connected to the brain’s inability to send proper signals while obstructive has to do with narrow airways or blockage of the airway while sleeping. The trouble with sleep apnea is that it directly affects a person’s ability to get a good night’s sleep. It is for this reason that extra caution should be taken while driving by those who suffer from sleep apnea in San Jose & Los Gatos.
How Does Sleep Apnea Affect Driving?
Many people who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea end up waking themselves up in the middle of the night. Because the airway is cut off and breathing literally stops for several seconds (and sometimes longer), people with serious cases of this condition might have trouble getting restful sleep. One of the main signs of obstructive sleep apnea is excessive fatigue during the day.
If you’re having trouble just staying awake at home, what about behind the wheel of a motor vehicle, where other drivers and pedestrians are at risk? You don’t even necessarily have to be sleepy; it’s enough of a danger if you are disoriented, distracted, or just not able to fully focus on motor vehicle operation.
License Implications
While sleep apnea might not necessarily keep you from getting a standard Class D license, it could keep commercial drivers from obtaining a Class C license for work. This is because some companies and states withhold such licenses if an individual has any condition that interferes with his or her ability to safely drive a vehicle—including fatigue from sleep apnea.
Getting Better Sleep and Back on the Road
Treating the condition can help to eliminate the daytime fatigue. If you suffer from loud snoring, gasping or choking while sleeping, daytime fatigue, concentration and memory problems, schedule a consultation with Spark Sleep Solutions. Getting rid of that sleep apnea could help you to regain control over your life.