PARLIAMENTARY EARLY DAY MOTION
SLEEP DISORDERS (30 November 2005)

That this House recognises the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency's findings that up to one-fifth of all road accidents resulting in death or serious injury are caused by driver sleepiness; notes that at least one per cent. of the UK's adult population has a medical cause for sleepiness but that an estimated 80 per cent. of people with sleep disorders are unaware they have a treatable medical condition; acknowledges the Royal College of Physician's observation that untreated obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) sufferers may have driving impairments comparable with drivers in excess of the legal alcohol limit; further acknowledges that OSA is readily treatable with a machine costing £300 which lasts for 10 years but that the Sleep Apnoea Trust has evidence of individuals who have suffered fatal crashes whilst on NHS waiting lists; further notes the research undertaken by the Sleep Centre at Edinburgh University which shows the cost of treating 500 sleep apnoea patients with continuous positive airway pressure treatment for five years would be a total of £400,000; further notes the estimated cost of accidents caused by untreated patients over the same period is £53 million; and urges the Government to incorporate this issue into its proposals in the Road Safety Bill [Lords] to raise awareness of sleep disorders amongst unknowing sufferers and to improve the provision of NHS diagnosis and treatment services.

Sponsored by:
Mrs Linda Riordan (Labour)