The effect of sleep disorders and fatigue on in-vehicle traffic accidents

Abstract

Aim: Traffic accidents have been reported by the World Health Organization as a global problem affecting the whole world. Many studies have shown that the majority of traffic accidents are associated with inadequate and/or disturbed sleep. We aimed to define possible sleep disorders and chronic fatigue in people who had had an in-vehicle traffic accident with applicable scales and to take the necessary precautions. Materials and Methods: Our study included 104 people with a suitable general condition and physical examination, who had an in-vehicle traffic accident and applied to Pamukkale University Faculty of Medicine Emergency Service. For all patients, demographic data inquiries were made, and the 'Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS)', 'Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PUK & Idot;)', 'Berlin Questionnaire' and 'Fatigue Severity Scale' were applied. Results: Increased daytime sleepiness was determined in 10 (9.62%) people according to the ESS, poor sleep quality in 15 (14.42%) people according to the PUK & Idot;, high risk of Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) in 15 (14.42%) people according to the Berlin Questionnaire, and chronic fatigue in 30 (29.1%) people according to the Fatigue Severity Scale. Conclusion: In our study, we showed with scales that people who had an in-vehicle traffic accident could have various sleep disorders and chronic fatigue syndrome that had not been diagnosed before. However, contrary to what is mentioned in the literature, we found the prevalence of OSAS risk to be low. Necessary measures should be taken to minimize the risk of preventable accidents while driving. In case of suspicion of respiratory disorder, which is one of the sleep disorders we frequently see, gold standard tests such as polysomnography should be used before saying that there is no respiratory disorder in sleep with scales, especially in people who will be driving as a profession.