Does anyone have a problem with OSA (Obstructive Sleep Apnea) and driving long distances?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 01 Aug 2015 18:36:32 -0400

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 1 at 2015 9:06 PM

Col Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 01 Aug 2015 21:06:19 -0400

OSA occurs when you are asleep. If you are sleeping at the wheel, you have some issues. I assume that you mean OSA is leaving you exhausted during the day because you don't get a full night's rest. If that's the case, you need a sleep study and possible a CPAP machine stat! Please be safe my friend!

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Aug 2 at 2015 12:44 AM

CAPT Kevin B. — Sun, 02 Aug 2015 00:44:47 -0400

You shouldn't have any problems if you use a CPAP at the right settings when you sleep. I've been on one for 7 years and started getting the deep sleep again. And I could dream again as well. So OSA without treatment means you're starting the morning already worn down, hence you'll get driving exhaustion sooner. If it's happening with a CPAP, then I suspect your settings need to be changed. Machines now have an SD card that gets read. If your AHI (Apnea Hypopnea Index) is greater than 5, then you definately need adjustment.

Response by 1LT Susan Bailey made Jun 20 at 2016 1:05 AM

1LT Susan Bailey — Mon, 20 Jun 2016 01:05:39 -0400

I can tell you this much... prior to starting CPAP, I would have to take a power blink on road trips if they were longer than a couple of hours. After only my first night of CPAP I had a road trip to make and not only did I not have to nap, I was fully alert both ways! This was the first time in years that I found this to be the case.

Response by SFC Edwin Watson made Jun 26 at 2016 11:00 AM

SFC Edwin Watson — Sun, 26 Jun 2016 11:00:07 -0400

I have sleep apnea, but I am on my fourth sleep study so that the doctors can define which one I have. One of the doctors said I had complex sleep apnea, but again not conclusive.

Response by MSgt John McGowan made Apr 14 at 2017 12:26 AM

MSgt John McGowan — Fri, 14 Apr 2017 00:26:32 -0400

SGT. I have the sleep Apnea but never tried a long trip. Couple of hundred miles so can't say how it does me. My wife is at the sleep study lad tonight of all things. I have been on a CPAP for years. Got to have it.

Response by PO1 Don Gulizia made Mar 12 at 2018 10:32 AM

PO1 Don Gulizia — Mon, 12 Mar 2018 10:32:03 -0400

You need real sleep. Undiagnosed or untreated OSA will sevrely impact all aspects of your daily life. My wife almost left because I'd be in bed for 12 hours a day. (I found out that I was only sleeping 30% of that time) I would nod off on my 10 minute commute to work. My body broke down. I had the surgery (UPPP), but it is only successful in 50% of the cases. That's great if you are in the 50%. The surgery worked wonders and I finally slept. However, my OSA came back , after 7 years, and now I'm on a CPAP. If you are still active and plan on being active for a while, you may have to explore the surgery if the mouth guard don't work. It's painful and recovery is long. I had a 30-day convalescence leave and needed all of it. Good luck.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Oct 5 at 2018 6:18 PM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Fri, 05 Oct 2018 18:18:57 -0400

If your CPAP is properly adjusted you should have improved sleep not effecting long distance drives. I can say that there are many who cannot handle long distance drives regardless. Thank you for your service.