What causes drowsy driving?
Sleepiness and the need to fall asleep while driving can be attributed to several causes: • Sleep loss. Most Americans do not get the 7 to 9 hours of sleep recommended per night and suffer from chronic sleep deprivation. Lifestyle choices and personal demands such as balancing work, family or other responsibilities restrict sleep. • Untreated or unrecognized sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea, narcolepsy or restless legs syndrome lead to excessive daytime sleepiness. Sleep disorders can cause sleep fragmentation or sleep disruption, which prevents quality or restorative sleep and results in an accumulated sleep debt. • Job-related sleep restriction. Shift workers, as well as those working long hours, extended shifts or more than one job, are especially prone to experience sleepiness. • Alcohol consumption and use of certain medications. Both can cause sleepiness or exacerbate sedating effects from any other cause. • Naturally occurring circadian factors. Our circadian pacemaker, or b
