Is it possible to fall asleep while driving

Many people are fatigued due to work, school or family commitments and pose a risk to themselves and others when on the road.

Have you taken medication that makes you drowsy? Do you have a sleep disorder such as sleep apnea? Many cold, flu and allergy medicines have ingredients that leave you tired. These may include:. It is important to read the label, precautions and side effects on all medications to see if they may cause drowsiness. He showed how my brain waves revealed the onset of sleep again and again.

Then he ran a finger along the lines corresponding to my eyes blinking more and more slowly -- another tell-tale sign of the fatigue that had been washing over me. He said I was asleep five or six seconds. But what truly shocked me was when he told me that I'd micro-slept a total of 22 times. I had only remembered dosing off twice. I was lucky. I had been in a highly-controlled situation with safety precautions while driving just 15 to 30 miles an hour.

Every day, thousands of sleep-deprived Americans go whizzing along at speeds of up to 70 miles an hour. Many of them are aware they're exhausted but they are convinced -- as I was -- that they can outrace their own fatique. Yes, coffee and other forms of caffeine can stave off sleep, but only for a while. The only real solution: Pull over where it is safe and take a nap. We'll notify you here with news about.

Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? Other important sleep disturbances include chronic insomnia, narcolepsy, restless legs syndrome and periodic limb movement in sleep. Sleepiness was described in Parkinson's disease, dementia, epilepsy, in chronic cardiacs and in people with complex internal health problems. Most adults need at least 7 hours of sleep a day, while teens need at least 8 hours. Develop good sleeping habits, such as sticking to a sleep schedule.

If you have a sleep disorder or have symptoms of a sleep disorder such as snoring or feeling sleepy during the day, talk to your doctor about treatment options. Avoid drinking alcohol or taking medications that make you sleepy. Be sure to check the label on any medications or talk to your pharmacist. Drowsy driving—19 states and the District of Columbia, — Drowsy driving and risk behaviors—10 states and Puerto Rico, — National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Drowsy Driving. DOT HS Accessed October 21,