Health Medical Network/Reported by reporter Lin Yu-hua
Suddenly falling asleep while driving could be sleep apnea! Dr. Li Bo-hong, Director of Otology in the ENT Department at Cheng Hsin General Hospital, who is certified as a specialist by the Taiwan Academy of Sleep Medicine, stated that major traffic accidents at home and abroad are endless. It's common for truck drivers to fall asleep while driving, creating dangerous public situations. This phenomenon isn't necessarily due to staying up late or fatigue; it could be caused by hypoxia from sleep apnea. He advises those who snore or experience daytime sleepiness to seek active treatment as soon as possible.
Sleep Apnea: Breathing pauses during sleep
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder caused by narrowed airways or weak muscles collapsing and blocking the airway, often leading to daytime sleepiness, fatigue upon waking, and hypoxia. It is divided into central, mixed, and obstructive types. Li Bo-hong pointed out that diagnosis is based on the Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI): mild is more than 5 breathing pauses per hour, moderate is more than 15, and severe obstructive sleep apnea is more than 30. It can occur at any age; children are diagnosed with sleep apnea if they have more than 1 breathing pause per hour.
Obvious Symptoms of Hypoxia: Don't be afraid to seek active treatment
Regardless of whether the index is normal or not, obvious symptoms of hypoxia require active treatment. Li Bo-hong stated that clinically, diagnosis and treatment are not only based on the sleep apnea index but also on clinical symptoms. He emphasized that patients should not rush to treat the index; treating the index does not equate to treating the symptoms. Even if the index is normal, if there are obvious signs of hypoxia or persistent fatigue after adequate sleep, active treatment should be pursued.
Falling asleep even while driving: Get treatment for drowsy driving
Most sleep apnea patients feel that they sleep soundly and are unaware of their condition; a small number have even fallen asleep while driving a car or motorcycle. Li Bo-hong shared that major traffic accidents at home and abroad are endless, such as truck drivers falling asleep mid-drive, creating public safety hazards. "Such sudden sleepiness isn't necessarily due to staying up late or fatigue; it could be caused by hypoxia from sleep apnea."
Correcting Airways: Improving sleep quality
There are now diverse treatment methods, including respiratory devices and surgery. CPAP machines can effectively treat sleep apnea and significantly improve sleep quality; however, patients are often hesitant to wear them. The doctor stated that the cause of airway obstruction varies for each individual, and thus the treatment methods also differ. For example, a deviated septum, chronic hypertrophic rhinitis, adenoids in the nasopharynx, tongue base collapse, enlarged tonsils, or an enlarged tongue base can all block the airway and cause sleep apnea. Clinically, different surgical corrective treatments are chosen for each individual's specific condition to clear the airway.
Seek a Professional Doctor: Active treatment is possible
If you have any doubts, whether you or your partner notice symptoms such as snoring or daytime sleepiness, it is recommended to consult a professional ENT doctor or a physician certified by the Taiwan Academy of Sleep Medicine. After a professional diagnosis, actively receive treatment to avoid the health threats that snoring and sleep apnea can pose.