It is obvious that sleep disorders have an impact on driving, as excessive drowsiness in some individuals can be dangerous when behind the wheel! A driver’s attention must always be constant, and anticipation is crucial to reacting properly. With sleep apnea, these elements are not always present.
Sleep Apnea and Driving License: What Does the Legislation Say?
Since 2014, sleep apnea has been added to the list of medical conditions that are incompatible with driving, as confirmed by an official publication in the Journal Officiel on December 18, 2015. Indeed, without proper medical treatment, sleep apnea can increase the risk of road accidents. For this reason, medical monitoring is essential.
Sleep Apnea and Driving:
In July 2014, the European Union added sleep apnea to the list of conditions that are incompatible with driving. The decree published in the Journal Officiel on December 18, 2015, reinforced this incompatibility while also specifying that a driving license may be issued with a limited validity period in certain cases.
Therefore, as with all medical conditions that affect driving ability, a person suffering from sleep apnea must undergo a medical examination to confirm their fitness to drive safely.
So, should you declare your sleep apnea? It is always advisable to have it properly diagnosed so that it can be appropriately treated.
If you have tried anti-snoring devices and still experience loud snoring, you should consult a doctor. Depending on the diagnosis, this may lead to the issuance of a driving license with limited validity.
Medical supervision is thus mandatory to drive a vehicle safely, both for the driver and for all road users. Above all, it is a matter of individual responsibility.
What to Do If You Need to Get Your Driver's License and You Have Sleep Apnea?
If you suffer from sleep apnea symptoms and need to obtain or renew your driver's license, certain recommendations apply:
- You must ensure, with your doctor, that your sleep apnea is under control, and that the medical treatment you follow improves your condition and does not prevent you from driving.
- Undergo regular medical check-ups to monitor your treatment properly.
- Obtain a medical opinion from a certified doctor, along with a sleep apnea declaration to the local police prefecture. However, this declaration is not mandatory, as medical confidentiality always takes precedence.
Drowsiness While Driving and Appropriate Treatments
Drowsiness while driving is one of the most common causes of road accidents. Untreated sleep apnea significantly increases this risk. However, proper medical treatment can reduce the risks and enable a driver to drive safely—for themselves and for all road users.
It is crucial to consult a doctor if you suspect you have sleep apnea. If you constantly feel tired or if your sleep is disrupted, it is advisable to see an ENT specialist to check for any abnormalities affecting your breathing.
You can also test available devices designed to improve sleep and reduce snoring, such as the Back2Sleep intranasal orthosis.
Getting a proper diagnosis, following a treatment plan, and discussing the necessary steps with your doctor—whether related to your daily life, profession, or driving—are all essential.
A general practitioner can provide appropriate guidance to a patient with sleep apnea. However, due to medical confidentiality, they do not interfere with the assessment of a certified doctor responsible for maintaining driving eligibility.
The goal is to ensure that the drowsiness associated with sleep apnea is well-controlled and that the patient receives proper treatment. Responsibility is key if you suffer from sleep apnea—your safety and that of others depend on it!
Conclusion
Driving restrictions may apply to individuals with sleep apnea, especially if they are not receiving treatment. This makes sleep apnea and driving licenses closely connected.
Until recently, many people were unaware of the dangers associated with drowsiness caused by sleep apnea. Additionally, numerous individuals do not even realize they suffer from this condition.
It is crucial to take symptoms such as chronic fatigue and disrupted sleep seriously. If you experience these signs, do not hesitate to consult your doctor, who can determine whether you have sleep apnea.
You can also educate yourself about sleep apnea symptoms and test devices that improve breathing, such as the intranasal orthosis offered by Back2Sleep.
FAQs
Can you drive with sleep apnea?
Excessive daytime sleepiness temporarily prohibits driving. Resuming driving is only possible when the initiated treatment is effective.
What medical conditions can result in a revoked driving license?
Serious visual impairments, psychological and psychiatric disorders, severe heart conditions, and addiction-related disorders (such as drug abuse) can lead to driving restrictions.
What is the disability rating for sleep apnea?
For individuals with sleep apnea requiring a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device, the disability rating ranges from 60% to 90%.
Can a doctor prohibit someone from driving?
In France, general practitioners and specialists are bound by strict medical confidentiality. They cannot "report" a patient with a medical condition incompatible with driving, unlike in some other countries.
