Do you have sleep apnea? If so, you may feel excessively tired during the day. This might seem like a minor nuisance, but in reality, it can lead to major problems, especially when you’re driving. Getting behind the wheel while you’re drowsy can be highly dangerous; below is a closer look at the reasons why, as well as what you can do to make sure you stay safe on the road.
How Drowsy Driving Puts You at Risk
If you drive while drowsy, your risk of getting into an accident will be significantly higher. In fact, it is estimated that drowsy driving is involved in roughly 21% of fatal car crashes.
This can be partially attributed to the fact that when you’re drowsy, you can easily end up dozing off for just a few seconds without realizing it. If this happens while you’re behind the wheel, those few seconds could easily be more than enough time for an accident to occur.
Even if your drowsiness doesn’t cause you to fall asleep, it could still impede your ability to drive safely. Researchers have found that sleep deprivation can impair your cognitive functions in much the same way that alcohol can. This can make you slower to react to potential dangers on the road, and it can even make you more prone to taking risks that you normally wouldn’t.
How to Avoid Drowsy Driving
Obviously, one of the best steps you can take to avoid drowsy driving is to get plenty of sleep each night. Of course, this can be easier said than done if you’re currently struggling with sleep apnea. Fortunately, this sleep disorder can often be managed with the right form of treatment, such as a personalized oral appliance. If you suspect that you have sleep apnea, be sure to take the appropriate steps to have it diagnosed and treated as soon as possible.
On top of that, you should pay close attention to any possible signs that you’re driving while drowsy. This can include frequent yawning, tired eyes, drifting into other lanes, following other cars too closely without realizing it, or missing a road sign or exit. If there’s any reason to think that drowsiness is affecting your driving, take the next available opportunity to stop so that you can rest until the sleepiness passes.
Drowsy driving can have fatal consequences. As such, it’s essential to do whatever you can to avoid it, whether that means pursuing sleep apnea treatment or taking other steps.
About the Author
Dr. Jay A. Nelson is a diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine. He also serves as the dental director of Florida’s first facility fully accredited by the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. He offers oral appliances to help patients overcome their sleep apnea and get the quality slumber they deserve. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Nelson at Nelson Dental Sleep Medicine in Wesley Chapel, visit his website or call (813) 733-4169.