Korean J Aerosp Environ Med.  2012 Dec;22(3):53-59.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome and Pilot

• Choi JH
• Oh JI
• Lee SH

Abstract

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is characterized by repetitive episodes of partial or complete airway collapse during sleep leading to various signs and symptoms including loud or habitual snoring, non-restorative sleep, excessive daytime sleepiness, decreased concentration, memory loss, personality change, etc. If left untreated, OSAS can result in significant cardiovascular or other medical complications and life-threatening consequences such as automobile or industrial accidents. Therefore, OSAS should be diagnosed and treated promptly. The prevalence of OSAS is generally estimated to be 4∼5% in men and 2∼3% in women and it can affect anyone including pilot and air-traffic controller. The relationship between OSAS and driver is relatively well known. However, there is little study identifying the relationship between OSAS and pilot. Further investigation and policy for pilot with OSAS should be required.

Keyword

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome; Excessive daytime sleepiness; Treatment; Pilot