As your tires run over the rumble strip between lanes, you jolt. For a split second, you’re not sure where you are or what you’re doing. You realize you’re driving and have been sleepy for the past few miles. In fact, you weren’t paying enough attention and have missed your exit. But driving while you’re drowsy can lead to more serious consequences than just an annoying inconvenience—it could be deadly!
In this post, you’ll learn why drowsy driving is not something to take lightly and how it’s connected to sleep apnea and snoring.
Is Drowsy Driving Really Dangerous?
At some point, everyone feels tired, but the last place you should be if you haven’t had enough rest is behind the wheel. In 2017, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates 91,000 accidents involved a drowsy driver, causing 50,000 injuries and almost 800 deaths, according to compiled police reports nationwide.
You cannot always predict or sense the moment when sleep comes over you, and you may not awaken until it’s too late. Some research suggests that drowsy driving may be almost as, if not just as, risky as driving intoxicated.
What Makes Drowsy Driving So Risky?
When you are excessively tired, your driving ability becomes severely impaired because of the following:
- Slower response time: You may apply brakes or steer more slowly, resulting in a collision.
- Less road awareness: You may not notice important details in your surroundings, such as pedestrians, light changes, and more.
- Poorer decision making: You may make choices that you wouldn’t if you were fully rested and alert.
How Are Snoring and Sleep Apnea Related to Drowsy Driving?
Although sleep apnea isn’t the only cause of drowsy driving, it is a major risk factor. If you snore chronically, feel tired throughout the day, or find yourself drifting in your lane, you could have sleep apnea, a condition that prevents your brain and body from obtaining quality, consistent rest night after night. Left untreated, sleep apnea can drastically increase your odds of a car accident, putting you and everyone around you at risk.
How Does Treating Sleep Apnea Stop Drowsy Driving?
On the other hand, if you address your sleep apnea properly, you can get the restorative sleep required to have energy, remain alert, and drive safely. For those who struggle with this condition, a sleep dentist can provide an oral appliance that helps open the airway, allowing for higher quality rest.
Instead of experiencing a potentially preventable tragedy out on the road, take the time to treat your sleep apnea. When you’re more aware and responsive, you can make better decisions behind the wheel, helping everyone get home safely.
About the Author
Dr. Jeff Rodgers is a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine as well as the American Sleep and Breathing Academy; in addition, he has more than 20 years of clinical experience treating those with sleep disordered breathing. At his practice, Sleep Better Georgia, he helps patients achieve better rest and a higher quality of life. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Rodgers, you can call his practice in Dunwoody at 404-252-1221 or visit the Contact Us page here.