Introduction: According to official statistics, 116,190 road accidents occurred in Russia in 2024. Due to this data 12,748 people died. Every 5th accident occurs due to the driver falling asleep while driving. This accidents turn out to be the most traumatic and lethal. Studying the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea ( OSA ) and its effect on daytime sleepiness, the disease can significantly contribute to the pattern of fatal accidents caused by the driver.

The purpose of the study: To study the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome among a group of patients - train drivers.

Materials and methods: 60 male patients at group risk for obstructive sleep apnea aged 28 to 55 years were examined. During the selection of patients, daytime and nighttime symptoms were taken into account. The modified OSA risk scale included the following items: snoring, respiratory arrest at night, suffocation at night, daytime sleepiness, morning headaches, and increased blood pressure.

Results and discussion: Among 60 patients from risk group, moderate and severe OSA was detected in 49 people (81%). The apnea-hypopnea index was 17-85 in these patients. Minimal hypoxemia at night was up to 89-65%. The analysis of the results showed that the prevalence of clinically significant OSA affects performance and occupational safety. The importance of this disease is confirmed by a regulatory document that entered into force in 2025 - a new list of medical contraindications to work directly related to train movement and road safety, approved by The Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation dated May 6, 2024 No. 226n "On Approval of the List of medical Contraindications to work directly related to train Movement and shunting work". Governmental regulation for this category of drivers shows the high importance of OSA as a risk factor of public safety.

Conclusions: Thus, patients with moderate and severe OSA should be treated and compensated to ensure traffic safety. It is necessary to introduce this experience for drivers of different groups, professional and public. Early detection drivers with clinically severe OSA should influence the number of transport accidents as an independent risk factor and factor for cardiovascular disease, such as arterial hypertension, ischemic heart disease, myocardial infarction, stroke, rhythm disturbances.

To be updated