Falling asleep behind the wheel sounds like something out of a movie. However, it happens. When it does, it's dangerous and potentially fatal. The dangerous combination of driving while sleepy is drowsy driving. It typically occurs when a driver hasn't slept enough, but it can also ensue from shift work or untreated sleep disorders. Drowsiness is a primary contributing factor in 100,000 police-reported crashes annually, resulting in 76,000 injuries and 1,500 fatalities, according to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). If you're concerned about drowsy driving in Bradenton or Sarasota, FL, Dr. Jeremy D. McConnell of Florida Sleep Specialists can advise you on how to keep yourself and others safe.
How Can I Fix Drowsy Driving?
Before taking the wheel, you can prevent drowsy driving by knowing the warning signs and getting adequate rest. Don't drive if you're yawning or blinking frequently. Also, do your best to stick to a good-quality sleep schedule that includes seven to eight hours. Speak to Dr. McConnell about treatment options if you snore or experience other sleep disorder symptoms, such as feeling sleepy during the day. Avoid taking any sleep-inducing medications before you drive, and always read the label on any medications you're taking or chat with your pharmacist. Drinking coffee and energy drinks are short-term preventative methods, but they aren't always impactful. On long road trips, professionals recommended to pull over in a safe place and taking a short 20-minute tap before resuming your travels.
Don't drive tired. If you're having trouble remaining alert on the road due to excessive drowsiness, consult our board-certified sleep medicine doctor to increase the safety of you and others, plus discuss treatment options. Please visit our website to learn more about the conditions we treat and the services provided. For more information about the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment for drowsy driving in Bradenton and Sarasota, FL, or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jeremy D. McConnell, we offer two convenient Florida Sleep Specialists locations for patients. Please call (941) 792-8383 for our Bradenton office and (941) 827-0701 for our Sarasota location.