Have you ever been so tired that you don’t remember if you took your vitamins, behaved clumsier than usual, or struggled to solve a basic math problem that you’d normally ace? Sleep deprivation can cause us to forget things, to have slower reaction times, and to have difficulty completing tasks. But if being tired can affect normal aspects of your daily routine, imagine what it can do when you’re driving.
How Dangerous is Drowsy Driving?
Drowsy driving can occur when the driver falls asleep behind the wheel, however you do not have to be asleep to cause a serious accident. Driving while overtired can cause you to be less alert, slowing your reaction time and leading to poor decisions.
In fact, experts believe that drowsy driving causes around 6,000 deaths annually, and that a staggering 21 percent of all deadly crashes involve someone who was driving while drowsy.
Research shows that driving with 24 hours of sleep deprivation is the equivalent of driving with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.10%!
What Could Be Causing My Drowsy Driving?
There are many things that could cause you to become sleep deprived and ultimately drive drowsy. One dangerous cause is sleep apnea. Sleep apnea occurs when the airway becomes obstructed during sleep, causing you to gasp for air when you are in the reclining position. It also causes you to wake repeatedly throughout the night, though you may not even be aware of it. As a result, you are unable to get a good night’s rest, leaving you feeling tired all day, and putting you at risk for drowsy driving.
The Warning Signs of Sleep Apnea
While it can be hard to self-diagnose sleep apnea, it is often first noticed by a sleep partner. Frequently the patient’s sleep partner will comment that they snore, or that they seem to be gasping for air in their sleep, however if you sleep alone, you may not realize this is happening. Other signs to look for include:
- Depression
- Always feeling tired no matter how much sleep you get
- Cognitive impairment
- Frequent waking throughout the night
If you or your sleep partner notice any of these symptoms, contact your doctor at once.
The Dangers of Sleep Apnea
When it comes to sleep apnea, drowsy driving is just one of the many dangers of this condition. Sleep apnea can also affect many comorbid conditions, such as:
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Alzheimer’s disease
- High blood pressure
- Depression
- Some forms of cancer
If you have sleep apnea it is important to be treated by a sleep professional. While in the past many patients have been treated with CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machines, today there are other options available, such as an oral appliance available from a dentist trained in sleep medicine.
If you are concerned about drowsy driving, sleep apnea, or any other sleep related issues, speak to a sleep expert about the benefits of adding a sleep appliance to your nightly routine, and soon you’ll be able to get the rest you deserve!
About Dr. Hutto
Dr. Dean Hutto has been practicing since 1992, when he first got his degree from the University of Texas Dental School in Houston. Since then, Dr. Hutto continued his education, eventually becoming a sleep expert. Today, Dr. Hutto and the team at Sleep Better Baytown devote their time and skills to helping people sleep better through the use of sleep appliances.
If you’re ready to get a good night’s sleep, make an appointment with us today by visiting our website or calling 281-688-2104.