Comparing a New Driving Simulator Sleepiness Test with Standard Sleepiness Test in Adults with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Using CPAP Withdrawal

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating a new driving simulation test designed to measure excessive daytime sleepiness EDS behind the wheel, a major cause of road accidents. This study focuses on patients with obstructive sleep apnea OSA who use continuous positive airway pressure CPAP treatment. The goal is to compare this novel simulation-based maintenance of wakefulness test DS-MWT with the standard MWT to see if the simulation test better reflects real-world sleepiness and driving risks, potentially improving fitness-to-drive assessments. Participants include adults diagnosed with OSA who are highly compliant with CPAP treatment, as well as healthy control drivers. The study involves CPAP withdrawal for 7 days followed by resumption or continuation, with participants undergoing sequences of standard and simulation-based tests in randomized order. Healthy participants also perform both test sequences for comparison. This trial is randomized, controlled, and crossover in design. During the study, participants will complete both classical and simulation-based MWTs on consecutive days under different CPAP conditions. Researchers will measure and compare mean latencies from both tests to assess sleepiness levels. Assessments include eye tracking that requires contact lenses for those with impaired eyesight. The study aims to provide a more naturalistic tool for evaluating sleepiness and driving fitness, with safety and adherence closely monitored throughout the trial.

Validating a Novel Driving Simulation-based MWT Against the Standard MWT in an OSA-cohort Challenged by CPAP-withdrawal