Thousands of drivers are at risk of falling asleep at the wheel because they have a rare medical condition, it has been claimed.

The disorder, obstructive sleep apnoeahypopnoea syndrome - leaves suffers exhausted because they struggle to breathe properly at night.

Overweight men between the ages of 30 and 65 are most at danger, as are those who drink heavily.

The condition is thought to affect one in 100 people, but most are unlikely to know they have the condition.

Chris Idzikowski, of the Edinburgh Sleep Centre, said: “Sleep disorder is on the rise and the fact that it affects so many drivers without them realising it, is worrying. Drivers should check for symptoms of OSAHA and be extra vigilant when planning long drivers.”

Best practice suggests that drivers should take a 15-minute break after two hours behind the wheel.

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