
Defeat Drowsy Driving With Better Sleep!
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A new study by the non-profit American Automobile Association (which we all know as AAA or “Triple-A”) has revealed that drowsy driving is an even bigger problem in the United States than was originally thought. According to the study, almost 10% of all highway crashes are caused by drivers who were overly tired or otherwise sleep deprived. This is roughly eight times more than previous estimates! Definitely a cause for concern!
With something so preventable causing so much harm, we think it might be time to look at the problem in more detail. Not just in terms of what causes it, but also things we all can do to stop it. And, with 88% of all Americans owning cars, this isn’t a problem that’s going away on its own. Just as we all need to get more sleep, we need to be more mindful of how we drive. Simply put, it’s even more important to get your best sleep each night.
Drowsy Driving in Detail
So what exactly is “drowsy driving,” beyond the obvious? It’s a specialized form of sleep deprivation, which is when you get less sleep than your body needs to feel awake and alert. The negative effects of sleep deprivation are extensive, so let’s start our exploration of the dangers of drowsy driving there.
Sleep Deprivation Costs You More Than Just Sleep
Here’s a fact: getting less than seven hours of sleep a night is unhealthy. The typically recommended 7-9 hours gives you the best sleep and you can manage with six. Less than five hours though? You’re sleep deprived. Sleep deprivation can lead to all kinds of mental and physical problems, including but not limited to:
- Obesity
- Type-2 Diabetes
- Reduced ability to heal wounds
- Lower response time to stimuli
- Muscle cramps
- Moodiness
- Quicker to anger
- Impulsiveness
- Lack of focus or concentration
- Weaker immune system
- High blood pressure
- Low sex drive
- Heart disease risk
- "Microsleep"
- Loss of equilibrium or balance
- More colds and cases of the flu
- 12% greater chance of early death
- Trouble keeping your eyes open and focused
- Can’t keep your head up
- Excessive daydreaming or random irrelevant thoughts
- Constantly yawning and rubbing your eyes
- Tailgating or drifting in your lane
- Missing signs or exits
- Forgetting what you’ve passed / where you are