Drowsiness and driving is a topic that affects all of us – both as drivers and as passengers. If you feel tired or sleepy or you snore, don’t ignore it. It may be a sign that you need help. And remember – safe sleep means safe driving.
Dr. Ruslans Mihailovskis
Family doctor, sleep specialist
Have you ever felt so sleepy at the wheel that your eyes close on their own? It may not just be tiredness – it can be a symptom of sleep apnoea. This condition affects not only a person’s health, but also safety on the road. In this article you will learn:
- What is sleep apnoea and how does it affect drivers?
- What are the laws in Latvia regarding sleep apnoea and driving?
- Real examples from practice?
- How to recognise the symptoms and what to do if you suspect sleep apnoea?
Epworth Sleepiness Scale
What is sleep apnoea?
Sleep apnoea is a breathing disorder during sleep in which breathing stops briefly while you are asleep. The most common form is obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), when the airways become blocked during sleep. These episodes can recur dozens of times a night, significantly lowering blood oxygen levels and disrupting sleep quality.
Symptoms of sleep apnoea:
- Loud snoring
- Pauses in breathing during sleep
- Tiredness and sleepiness during the day
- Morning headaches
- Difficulty concentrating
Sleep apnoea and driving: why is it dangerous?
Untreated apnoea can cause microsleep – brief episodes of falling asleep, which often happen at the wheel. This is especially dangerous because the driver can lose control of the vehicle without any warning. Swedish studies show that people with untreated sleep apnoea cause road accidents 3–4 times more often. In Latvia this problem is just as relevant – I have consulted lorry drivers who regularly fall asleep at the wheel without realising that they have sleep apnoea.
Laws in Latvia: what do the regulations say?
Since 2016, Latvia has had Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No. 940, which provides that people with moderate or severe sleep apnoea must not drive if they are not being treated. This applies both to obtaining a new driving licence and to health checks for existing drivers. This regulation is an important step in improving road safety, but in practice there are still many cases where people hide the diagnosis for fear of losing their driving licence.
Real examples from practice
Case 1: Lorry driver
A man, 52, a lorry driver with 25 years’ experience. He complained of tiredness and frequently falling asleep at the wheel. Diagnostics showed severe sleep apnoea – more than 40 breathing pauses per hour. After starting CPAP therapy (a special mask with airflow), his sleepiness decreased and he was able to continue working safely.
Case 2: Young mother
A woman, 34, drove a car every day, taking her children to school. She complained of tiredness, headaches and snoring. It turned out that she had moderate sleep apnoea. After starting treatment, her sleep, concentration and general well-being improved.
What to do if you suspect sleep apnoea?
- Watch for symptoms – snoring, tiredness, sleepiness
- Consult a family doctor or a sleep specialist
- Get diagnosed – sleep polygraphy
- Start treatment – most often with CPAP therapy, lifestyle changes or surgery
Sleep apnoea, driving and social responsibility
Sleep apnoea is not just a personal health problem – it is a matter of public safety. Every driver with untreated sleep apnoea is a potential risk on the road. That is why it is important not only to treat this condition, but also to educate the public about its consequences.
- Sleep apnoea screening should be included in regular health checks for drivers.
- The state should ensure accessible diagnosis and treatment.
- Society needs to change its attitude towards snoring – it is not just a noise, but possibly a symptom of a serious illness.
Questions about your health?
Specialist doctors see patients at Republikas laukuma klīnika in central Riga. Our reception will help you choose the right specialist and time.
