Driving While Drowsy - Sleep Better Illinois

Are You Above the Legal Limit?

You wouldn’t dream of getting behind the wheel after a few drinks. Don’t be lulled into doing so while tired. According to the CDC, operating a vehicle after staying awake for 18 hours straight is the equivalent of doing so with a blood alcohol content of 0.05. Dangerously close to the legal limit of .08, a lack of sleep affects your body in the same way as alcohol, by decreasing your inhibitions and judgement making decisions.

Many of us have experienced the drowsy lullaby effect driving can have. Maybe you’re just tired from a long day, but if you find yourself constantly nodding off on the highway, it may be caused by Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).

OSA is well known for causing daytime sleepiness, slow reaction times and memory problems. If you have sleep apnea, there’s a good chance you’ve found yourself driving while drowsy. No matter the cause, impaired driving can be deadly. In fact, nearly 100,000 traffic accidents are caused by drowsy driving every year according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Remember to protect yourself and other drivers by staying away from your car keys when you’re too impaired to drive. If you think you may be suffering from sleep apnea, contact our office today and schedule an appointment.