[Sleepiness and accidental risk].

Sleepiness while driving is both a very common phenomena regarding 10 to 15% of drivers and one of the main causes of death on highways (one third of fatal accidents). Sleepiness results mainly from behavioural causes: sleep deficit or irregular work schedules. However, many sleep diseases and hypnotics may also induce sleepiness at the wheel.

Insomnia and accidents: cross-sectional study (EQUINOX) on sleep-related home, work and car accidents in 5293 subjects with insomnia from 10 countries.

The link between sleepiness and the risk of motor vehicle accidents is well known, but little is understood regarding the risk of home, work and car accidents of subjects with insomnia. An international cross-sectional survey was conducted across 10 countries in a population of subjects with sleep disturbances. Primary care physicians administered a questionnaire that included assessment of sociodemographic characteristics, sleep disturbance and accidents (motor vehicle, work and home) related to sleep problems to each subject.