Sleep apnoea could be behind ‘sleepy driving’

Sleep apnoea badly disrupts night-time rest – and can affect daytime activities, like driving. Photograph: Getty

One of the biggest causes of “sleepy driving” (Blood test for sleepy drivers could pave way for prosecutions, 8 May) could be sleep apnoea. This is where your sleeping continually stops and starts at night.

I was diagnosed as suffering from severe sleep apnoea (having 41 “events” per hour) and experienced tiredness during the day, especially in the afternoon. I now use a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine at night, meaning air is continually pumped, via a hose and mask, into my airway.

I would recommend anyone who suffers from broken sleep and is tired during the day to see their GP and ask to be referred to see a specialist (though this may be increasingly difficult these days). This machine can make a life-changing difference.
Alan Quinn
Prestwich, Manchester

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