diff --git a/src/wifi/model/channel-access-manager.cc b/src/wifi/model/channel-access-manager.cc
index 2592d6723..e8d3aed78 100644
--- a/src/wifi/model/channel-access-manager.cc
+++ b/src/wifi/model/channel-access-manager.cc
@@ -247,6 +247,12 @@ ChannelAccessManager::NeedBackoffUponAccess (Ptr<Txop> txop)
 {
   NS_LOG_FUNCTION (this << txop);
 
+  // No backoff needed if in sleep mode or off
+  if (m_sleeping || m_off)
+    {
+      return false;
+    }
+
   // the Txop might have a stale value of remaining backoff slots
   UpdateBackoff ();