Am I at Risk of Drowsy Driving?

If you are not sleeping enough and you spend considerable time on the road, then chances are you are very much at risk of drowsy driving. Drowsiness is a result of poor quality sleep during the night as your body does not forget that it is still owed sleep, just as it doesn’t forget it needs water or food. Preventing situations in which you are driving while drowsy can be potentially life-saving, so if you want to know what you can do to reclaim your sleep you can contact Dr. Jeremy McConnell in Bradenton and Sarasota, FL.

Risk and Symptoms

The risk of drowsy driving can easily parallel that of driving while under the influence or distracted driving. While you are driving you are performing a repetitive task that you are accustomed to doing without much intellectual effort, so if you are lacking sleep you can quickly begin to feel sleepy. It takes just seconds of inattention for an accident to occur.

You can find yourself in another lane, driving past your exit, or worse. It can begin with wandering thoughts and yawning, perhaps nodding off, and then suddenly the driver in front of you is far too close for comfort. If you experience any of these signs you may be driving drowsy.

Prevent Drowsy Driving in Bradenton and Sarasota, FL

You can take practical steps, like limiting your intake of alcohol and caffeinated drinks right before bed. You can learn not to ignore or dismiss symptoms of drowsiness, like those mentioned above, it can be very difficult to trust your own judgment.

To prevent drowsy driving the solution is rather simple, you need to sleep an adequate amount of time at night. But that is not a very simple solution for many. Those struggling with sleep disorders, especially those who may not be aware of them, will have a more difficult time dealing with drowsiness on their own. But this is where a sleep specialist can help.

If you are struggling with drowsiness, drowsy driving, and just generally poor quality sleep, then those restful nights you’ve been dreaming of maybe just a phone call away thanks to your Bradenton and Sarasota, FL, sleep specialists. You can schedule a consultation with Dr. McConnell by dialing (941) 792-8383 for the Bradenton, FL, office and (941) 827-0701 for the Sarasota, FL.