Even if you’ve never been slumped over the steering wheel asleep at a red light before, it doesn’t mean that you haven’t driven while drowsy. Being sleepy affects your ability to drive safely, even when you don’t fall asleep. Drowsiness causes:
Getting the right amount of sleep before driving is imperative to arriving alive. The recommended amount is 7-8 hours, especially if you’re planning a long car trip. If you find yourself yawning or blinking frequently, difficulty remembering the last few miles, missing your exit, drifting into other lanes or hitting a rumble strip on the side of the road, it might be time for someone else to take the wheel or for you to pull into a designated rest area for a nap.
Here are a few ways that may help you through that next commute or when you’re on the open road:
There are more than 100 recognized sleep disorders, many of which are difficult to diagnose and treat. If you have a sleep disorder or think you are experiencing sleep disorder symptoms, call (866) 328-9932 or find a doctor near you.
