Sleep Fact #9: Drowsy Driving is Like Drunk Driving
If you’ve ever driven while exhausted, you know how dangerous it can be to nod off. Sleep deprivation makes your body less alert and impacts your judgment and reaction time while driving. Studies report that a long period without sleep impairs your driving, similar to having one too many drinks. If you’ve been up for 18+ hours, it’s the same as having a blood content (BAC) of 0.05%.
Sleep Fact #10: Sleep Disorders Include More Than Insomnia
There are more than 80 different types of sleep disorders, including insomnia. But feeling unrested isn’t the only major sleep disorder that can wreak havoc on your health. Around 22 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea, where individuals stop breathing for 10 seconds or more during sleep. If left untreated, it can cause high blood pressure, chronic heart failure, and other issues. One of the more unique sleep disorders is called parasomnia, where an individual does activities like walking, talking, or eating. If you suspect you have a sleep disorder, contact your doctor to ensure your health isn’t at risk and learn how to treat it.