Driving when you have 

sleep apnea

■ For most people, driving represents

freedom, control and independence.

Driving enables most people to get to the

places they want or need to go. For many

people, driving is important economically

– some drive as part of their job or to get

to and from work. Others drive to be

able to shop for necessities, to maintain

social connections or engage in activities.

■ Driving is a complex skill. Our ability to

drive safely can be affected by changes in

our physical, emotional and mental

health. The goal of this brochure is to

help you, your family and your health

care professional talk about how sleep

apnea may affect your ability to drive

safely.

What is sleep apnea?

■ Sleep apnea is a condition in which

breathing is interrupted during sleep.

This results in a decrease in the oxygen

level in your blood. Your body reacts by

partially or completely awakening each

time you stop breathing. This may occur

many times over the course of the night. 

As a result, you do not get the necessary

deep sleep you need. People with

untreated sleep apnea often wake up

feeling sleepy and remain sleepy

throughout the day.

How can sleep apnea affect

my driving?

■ Because sleep apnea affects your sleep, it

also affects how you function during the

day. Untreated sleep apnea can make it

difficult for you to stay awake, to focus

your eyes, to remain alert and to react

quickly to driving situations. If you are

very tired or find yourself falling asleep

while at work or at home, you should not

drive. It is unsafe for you and others on

the road. 

■ Many sleep apnea patients say they never

fall asleep while driving. That may be

true. But remember, you don’t have to

fall asleep to have a crash. You simply

have to be inattentive or not sharp – and

with untreated sleep apnea, you are not as

sharp as you should be.

Can I still drive if I have 

sleep apnea?

■ Most likely yes, if your condition is

treated the right way. But don’t drive if

you are not being treated. Treatment

offers the best hope of being able to

continue your independent driving. It is

rare that an effective treatment cannot be

found for sleep apnea, but other health

issues may complicate the treatment plan. 

It is critical that you fully use the

treatment provided by your doctor. When

driving, you should ensure that you are

fully alert. If not, switch drivers, nap and

also drink a caffeinated beverage. 

When driving, have someone with you in

the car to make sure that you are not

falling asleep; do this until you are sure

that your sleep apnea treatment is

successful. After treatment begins, you

should be assessed for daytime sleepiness.

■ Ask your doctor, the state motor vehicle

authority, or another knowledgeable

source about the laws concerning sleep

apnea and driving in your community. 

What can I do when sleep

apnea affects my driving?

■ Talk with your doctor. There are a

number of lifestyle changes that he or she

can recommend. Effective treatments

such as medical or dental devices can be

prescribed. Avoid alcohol. Alcohol at

night can worsen sleep apnea. Alcohol in

the daytime can worsen sleepiness. Sleep

apnea is a serious, potentially lifethreatening condition that should not be

ignored and self-treatment is not

recommended. 

What if I have to cut back or

give up on driving?

■ If sleep apnea or daytime sleepiness

persists, you should seek additional

medical help. During this time, depend

on others for driving. You can keep your

independence even if you have to cut

back or give up on your driving. It may

take planning ahead on your part, but

this can help get you to the places you

want to go and the people you want to

see. Consider:

◆ rides with family and friends;

◆ taxi cabs;

◆ shuttle buses or vans;

◆ public buses, trains and subways; and

◆ walking.
■ Also, senior centers and religious and

other local service groups often offer

transportation services for older adults in

your community.

Who can I call for help with

transportation?

Call the ElderCare Locator at 

1-800-677-1116 and ask for the

phone number of your local Office on

Aging, or go to their website at

www.eldercare.gov.

■ Contact your regional transit authority,

which can tell you which bus or train to

take.

Call Easter Seals Project ACTION 

(Accessible Community Transportation

In Our Nation) at 

1-800-659-6428 or go to their website

at www.easterseals.com/

transportation.

Where can I find out more

about sleep apnea and its

treatment?

■ Your first step is to talk with your doctor.

You can also contact the:

National Sleep Foundation

202-347-3471

www.sleepfoundation.org

American Academy of Sleep Medicine

507-287-6006

www.aasmnet.org

■ You also can get a copy of Facts about

Sleep Apnea from the National Institutes

of Health by going to www.nhlbi.nih.

gov/health/dci/diseases/sleepapnea/

sleepapnea_whatis.html. More

information about driving also is available

from the National Institute on Aging’s

“Age Page On Older Drivers” by calling 

1-800-222-2225, or by going to their

website at:

www.niapublications.org/engagepages/

drivers.asp.

Wear your safety belt

Always wear your safety belt when you are

driving or riding in a car. Make sure that

every person who is riding with you also is

buckled up. Wear your safety belt even if

your car has air bags.

DOT HS 809 685 March 2004

Sleep Apnea

Driving 

When 

You 

Have