[Falling asleep at the steering wheel--a dangerous sequel of sleep apnea].

Excessive sleepiness is a common but underrecognised and preventable cause of road traffic accidents. Acute and chronic sleep deprivation, inadequate sleep hygiene, and sleep disorders are important causes of hypersomnolence. Since the latter is one of the cardinal manifestations of the obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome, affected patients are at particular risk of being involved in traffic accidents. Counselling of hypersomnolent drivers on appropriate behavioural modification, early diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders, as well as information of the public on the risks of accidents related to sleepiness are important preventive measures.