Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Pilots

The lack of screening policies in regards to Obstructive Sleep Apnea and pilots has been a concern of mine for many years. In my practice over the years, I have met several pilots who were at high risk for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). Many of these pilots refused to move forward through proper diagnostic procedures for fear of losing their jobs if OSA was confirmed. In the mean time, if Obstructive Sleep Apnea is present in pilots and not treated, the negative effects can lead to catastrophic aircraft incidents. The negative effects of a lack of alertness, excessive daytime sleepiness, and an overall ‘foggy feeling’ are common in individuals who have OSA and live life without proper treatment of this sleep disorder. Here’s an excerpt from an AOPA (Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association) article:

Are you a pilot with Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

“The aviation community has been up in arms since Federal Air Surgeon Fred Tilton announced that the FAA would be releasing a new policy that would require aviation medical examiners to calculate a pilot’s body mass index (BMI), and require those with a BMI of 40 or greater to get tested for Obstructive Sleep Apnea by a physician who is a board-certified sleep specialist and treated, if diagnosed, before being issued a medical certificate. Tilton stated that obstructive sleep apnea is almost universal in individuals with a BMI of 40 or greater and neck size of at least 17 inches. However, he said the agency would continue ratcheting down the BMI number “until we have identified and assured treatment for every airman with OSA.” He said the policy would later extend to air traffic controllers as well.” For more see: http://www.aopa.org/News-and-Video/All-News/2013/November/27/Sleep-apnea-scrutiny-falls-on-aviation.aspx?CMP=ADV:1 Dental Sleep and TMD Center of Illinois, a premiere snoring and apnea treatment center in Naperville, has been providing the CPAP alternative treatment of Oral Appliance Therapy successfully for over 15 years. We are extremely passionate in helping individuals that have been struggling with CPAP therapy in Naperville, Lisle, Aurora, Bolingbrook and surrounding Chicago suburbs. For more information on this physician-recommended treatment, call us at (630) 369-5508.