Here at UDS headquarters were all for having a good time — as long as you stay safe. But since its Drowsy Driving Prevention Week, let’s talk about how alcohol consumption affects drowsy driving.
In fact, often times drowsy driving and its effects are quite frequently compared to that of drunk driving. Alcohol serves as a muscle relaxant and a sedative, which makes you feel sleepy, slows reaction time, decreases awareness and impairs judgment. According to drowsydriving.org, a person being awake for 20 hours straight has the effects of that being legally drunk. That being said, having drinks after a long day at school and work, or pulling an all-nighter might not be the smartest thing to do. If I had to do the math:
Lack of sleep + Alcohol + Driving = SUPER HUGE CAR CRASH!
Another thing to consider is night caps. Yup, quite a few people believe that alcohol before bed time helps relaxes their body for a good night’s sleep. WRONG! According to WebMD, “A new review of 27 studies shows that alcohol does not improve sleep quality. According to the findings, alcohol does allow healthy people to fall asleep quicker and sleep more deeply for a while, but it reduces rapid eye movement (REM) sleep.”
In fact, as stated in the article, alcohol only increases disruptions in REM sleep, which in turn can cause poor concentration and drowsiness. But alcohol relaxes you and helps you get ready for sleep, true, but according to Irshaad Ebrahim, the medical Director at the London Sleep Centre, “Alcohol may seem to be helping you sleep, as it helps induce sleep, but overall it is more disruptive to sleep… Alcohol also suppresses breathing and can precipitate sleep apnea.” Ebrahim adds that the more a person drinks before bed, the stronger the disruption occurs.
Alcohol and sleep deprivation really just don’t mix! But if you still insist on going out after a long day, here are some tips:
- Refrain from taking alcohol and sedative medication before driving
- Take a good nap before going out for the night
- Make sure to get a good night’s sleep the night before going out
- Don’t drive drowsy and drunk! Grab a cab or get a DUDE
Also, instead of taking a few drinks before bed. How about trying some other methods to help you get a better night sleep? Check out some tips and suggestions from the National Sleep Foundation:
- Healthy Sleep Tips
- Create a great sleeping environment: The Bedroom Environment
- Relaxation Exercises for Falling Asleep
- Tips for Sleeping During the Day
http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/news/20130118/alcohol-sleep
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