{"id":312,"date":"2024-08-01T17:27:19","date_gmt":"2024-08-01T17:27:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sleepsolutionstopeka.com\/blog\/?p=312"},"modified":"2024-09-09T17:31:23","modified_gmt":"2024-09-09T17:31:23","slug":"dangers-of-drowsy-driving","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sleepsolutionstopeka.com\/blog\/2024\/08\/01\/dangers-of-drowsy-driving\/","title":{"rendered":"The Dangers of Drowsy Driving"},"content":{"rendered":"
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In 2017, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported 91,000 crashes caused by drowsy driving, resulting in 50,000 injuries and 800 deaths. These numbers might actually be higher, as many people underestimate the risks of falling asleep at the wheel. If you find it difficult to remain alert while driving, it could be a sign of sleep apnea<\/a>. To learn more about the dangers of drowsy driving and the benefits of seeking treatment for sleep apnea, keep reading.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

What Dangers Exist When It Comes to Drowsy Driving?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Driving while tired is extremely dangerous and greatly increases the risk of accidents. Fatigue can make you as impaired as someone with a blood alcohol content of 0.10%, affecting your ability to control the car.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This can lead to serious incidents like veering into oncoming traffic or crashing into a ditch. Slow reaction times and poor decision-making while drowsy make it harder to respond to hazards and recognize the need to avoid driving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Are the Symptoms of Sleep Apnea?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The CDC has found that adults who snore or get less than six hours of sleep each night are more likely to fall asleep while driving compared to those who don\u2019t snore and get seven or more hours of sleep. However, falling asleep at the wheel is just one sign of sleep apnea. This common condition affects millions in the U.S. and can also present other early symptoms, such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n