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A plethora of medical consequences have been associated with the syndrome of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). These are global, affecting nearly every body function, and have been related to two key pathophysiologieal findings in sleep apnoea: repetitive falls in oxyhaemoglobin saturation during sleep, and recurrent arousals from sleep which terminate apnoea episodes. Sufferers of OSA may experience daytime sleepiness, which has been measured both subjectively using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale and the Stanford Sleepiness Scale, but also objectively, using Multiple Sleep Latency Testing, Maintenance of Wakefulness testing, and the Oxford Sleep Resistance test. In addition to the loss of alertness, sleep apnoea contributes to memory deficits, reduced vigilance, impaired executive function, increased risk for automobile and occupational accidents, and decreased quality of life. Importantly, afflicted individuals experience improvements in these outcomes with treatment. Taken together, this evidence forms a compelling basis to identify and treat latent cases of sleep apnoea. Not only do patients have the opportunity to achieve improvements in these outcomes and health-related quality of life, but the enormous economic burden that untreated apnoea imposes on the health care system may be eased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Our study examines sleep duration relative to self-reported and objective cardiometabolic risk factors. [•] Very short sleep (<5h) was associated with self-reported hypertension, hyperlipidemia and diabetes mellitus (DM). [•] Very short sleep (<5h) was associated with objectively determined hyperlipidemia and obesity. [•] Short sleep (5–6h) was associated with self-reported hypertension and obesity, and objective obesity. [•] Race/ethnicity interactions are significant for self-reported and objective hypertension, hyperlipidemia, DM, and obesity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article provides information on the significant impact of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) to motor vehicle safety. It has been shown in several medical researches that OSA is one of the major causes of motor vehicle accidents. Medical researches have also proven that OSA significantly increases the risk in safety and health in the U.S. Furthermore, reports have indicated that OSA is present in a greater prevalence in operators of commercial motor vehicle operators than in the general population.

The article focuses on the connection of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) to motor vehicle accidents. OSA has been proved to significantly increase the risk in safety and health. It has been shown in several medical researches that OSA is one of the major causes of motor vehicle accidents. Researches also showed that OSA increases the possibility of individual developing health problems. Furthermore, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has changed the medical examination reporting form that includes a question asking drivers whether they have sleep problems.