In the US, a number of states are considering or have already implemented new licensing conditions that require drivers to disclose any existing sleeping conditions. For people that don’t suffer from sleep disorders, this is an issue that wouldn’t receive a second thought. However, if you’re one of the millions of adults that suffer from sleep apnea, then this might be news that makes you worry.

Even if you’re someone who suspects apnea, but you haven’t been diagnosed through an at-home sleep apnea test, then there’s a lot of benefits that can be gained from understanding why sleeping disorders have become a concern for state governments.

What is the Reasoning Behind the Recent Focus on Sleeping Disorders?

Sleep apnea is a serious medical condition, and you should not allow anyone to tell you otherwise. While apnea can be easily diagnosed with an at home sleep apnea test and then treated through methods like CPAP breathing assistance, the fact is that poorly managed sleep apnea can make you a danger when you get behind the wheel.

If you’re suffering from apnea or another type of sleeping disorder, such as insomnia, then you are likely to be at an increased risk of being involved in a motor vehicle accident. This is because many sufferers of sleep apnea will experience fatigue and tiredness during the daytime. In your own case, this might not be immediately evident to you, especially if you have been undiagnosed for a long period of time.

Regardless of whether you are aware of your condition or not, experts estimate that apnea and other sleep disorder sufferers are at least two times as likely to have an accident while on the road. Not only does this put you at risk, but it could also place other road users or your passengers at risk.

Understanding this, it is no surprise that licensing departments want to ensure that drivers fully disclose their sleeping disorders and that they can provide evidence of ongoing treatment when license renewal is sought. It would not be a stretch to expect that most states will enforce some kind of disclosure policy in the coming years, and it’s something that is also becoming common in other developing countries.

International Examples

In Australia, sleep disorders like sleep apnea must be fully disclosed when applying for or renewing a license. The government recommends CPAP as an effective treatment method, and license applicants are required to produce evidence from their doctor to show that they are undergoing regular treatment to manage their sleep apnea. If drivers do not disclose their condition and are involved in an accident where they are found to be at fault, they may be found criminally responsible, and insurance companies will usually withhold coverage when a disorder has not been disclosed.

This is an example of a fair and reasonable system, especially considering the risks that are involved, and it may even provide an incentive for you to start managing your own existing or suspected sleeping disorder.

How Can You Get Tested?

If you suspect sleep apnea or any kind of sleeping disorder in you or one of your family members, you’ll need to see a physician to begin the diagnostic process. Your doctor will ask questions to determine whether you are displaying any of the most common symptoms, and they may eventually recommend that you undergo sleep apnea testing to confirm any initial diagnosis. Today, sleep testing is relatively easy and convenient, and with a home test for sleep apnea, you won’t even need to visit a specialized sleeping clinic.

With devices like those produced by the team here at VirtuOx, you can get accurate readings of breathing rate, pulse, oxygen saturation, and even sleeping position; allowing a physician to make a full and accurate diagnosis. Medical devices from VirtuOx can be used to continually monitor your condition to ensure that any recommended treatment is effective, allowing you to have complete peace of mind while meeting any legal requirements enforced at a state or federal level.

A home test for sleep apnea can be the first step towards improving your sleep, your quality of life, and ensuring that you’re safe on the road and that your license will never be jeopardized. Sleep apnea testing and treatment will also prevent long-term complications, allowing you to live a full and rewarding life, without having to worry about the consequences of an untreated sleeping disorder.

Explore our VirtuOx sleep apnea watch and other medical devices to learn more about diagnostics and ongoing testing for a range of conditions.