Sleep Apnea & Narcolepsy
People with undiagnosed sleep disorders such as "Sleep Apnea" and "Narcolepsy"
If you do not fall within one of these main categories, it is still important not to place yourself in a situation that involves driving when you are tired. Good ways to avoid sleepiness while driving are to;
- Get plenty of sleep prior to a long trip
- Pull off the road for physical activity, caffeine, or a short nap (25 minutes at-least)
- Travel with another person and take turns driving
- Avoid taking over-the-counter drugs such as allergy pills, cold medications, pain pills, and muscle relaxants
- Avoid driving after taking prescription drugs, these can cause sleepiness
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea results from obstructed breathing while asleep. Relaxed throat muscles and tongue cause obstruction making it difficult to breath. The obstructed airflow can last from seconds to minutes. When this happens, the natural reaction is to awaken and resume regular breathing. This sleep/wake cycle can occur many times during sleep without the person’s awareness. As a result person does not rest well. The lack of restful sleep over a period of time causes a person to feel fatigued and sleepy.
A lot of people with sleep apnea, snore, snort, and /or jerk in their sleep. If you feel tired all of the time but do not know why, consult your physician about sleep apnea. Driving should be avoided until treatment has been prescribed.
What is Narcolepsy?
Narcolepsy is uncontrollable bouts of drowsiness characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness and an irresistible urge to sleep.
These episodes can occur without warning several times during the day, lasting from seconds to minutes. Consult your physician if you have these symptoms.
A person with narcolepsy should not drive until the condition is medically controlled.
If you fell in any of these categories driving is not Recommended until treated.
