Did you know that driving when sleep deprived could cause you to drive like you had been drinking? True – drowsy driving is a serious problem on our roads casing at least 100,000 accidents.

Statistics show that drivers are 15 times more likely to be involved in a motor vehicle accident which causes a fatality when they experience excessive daytime sleepiness. The accidents caused by drowsy driving cost us $48 billion in medical costs each year.

Signs of Drowsy Driving

The members of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine have been strong advocates for spreading the word about the dangers of drowsy driving. Here are a few warning signs that you might need to pull over or have someone else take the wheel:

• Frequent yawning
• Drifting into other lanes
• Unable to keep your eyes open
• Can’t remember driving the last several miles
• Drifting onto the shoulder of the road
• Stopping too close to the car in front of you

People usually think about long distance driving causing fatigue when they think of drowsy driving. It is true that long-haul truckers and other professional drivers experience drowsy driving – but it is not because of the time spent behind the wheel. These drivers, just like you, could be suffering from a sleep disorder such as obstructive sleep apnea.

Obstructive sleep apnea causes a person to stop breathing during sleep. This happens many, many times throughout the night. The sleeper briefly wakens to gasp for air and begin breathing again. The constant wakings and oxygen deprivation wreak havoc on the body. Extreme daytime sleepiness is a common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea.

Don’t be a drowsy driver. If you experience extreme daytime sleepiness you might suffer from a sleep disorder. Please contact Columbus sleep apnea dentist Dr. Mark Levy today at 614-476-6696 to schedule a consultation.