Daytime sleepiness test
A simple test that might indicate a sleep disorder
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Sleep Disorders home page

 

Specific disorders

Sleep apnea
Insomnia
Narcolepsy
Snoring
Drowsy driving
Night terrors
Restless legs syndrome

 

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Search for Aurora physicians that specialize in this field
Related conditions
  - Sleep apnea
  - Insomnia
  - Narcolepsy
  - Restless leg syndrome
  - Snoring

 

Drowsy driving

Sleepiness causes auto crashes because it impairs your reaction time and attention and ultimately can lead to you falling asleep at the wheel.

Sleepiness is one of the most common causes of traffic accidents, and is blamed for nearly 200,000 accidents each year. Lack of sleep, irregular driving patterns, untreated or unrecognized sleep disorders, use of sedatives and consumption of alcohol are all major factors in these kinds of accidents.

Although no driver is immune to drowsy driving-related accidents, there are higher risks to some population groups based on evidence from crash reports and self-reports of sleep behavior and driving performance.

These include:

  • Young people aged 16-29 (especially males)
  • Shift workers who work at night or who work excessively long hours
  • People with untreated sleep apnea, narcolepsy or other sleep disorders

The best ways to prevent drowsy driving are to make sure you get sufficient sleep and limit driving between midnight and 6 a.m. If you suspect your drowsy driving is the result of an untreated or undiagnosed sleep disorder, you should consult a physician immediately.

 

 


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