We all know that driving while tired is never a good idea, but what is the distinct connection between our sleep hygiene and our driving performance? For shift workers and those who work abnormal hours, sleep hygiene can determine how productive and efficient their driving is or how accident-prone they may be due to their lack of quality rest. With fatigue linked to 10% to 20% of all accidents on the road, this is a topic that we should all be concerned about.
In this article, we’ll explore the connection between sleep hygiene and driving, as well as how we can encourage safer roads. We’ll discuss how these are related, how poor driving impacts driving performance and alertness, and even how some sleep disorders can impact your likelihood of getting into an accident. Before we consider how to promote safer roads, let’s first understand why sleep hygiene can cause unsafe driving and accidents.
The Connection Between Sleep Hygiene and Driving Ability
Sleep hygiene refers to an individual’s sleeping habits, including how often they get consistent rest, when they go to bed, and how much quality sleep they get overnight. If you have great sleep hygiene, you’ll have great rest and, therefore, better energy levels and more alertness throughout your day (Source: PubMed).
However, as you might have already guessed, poor sleep hygiene can lead to lower-quality sleep and, eventually, sleep deprivation. This, in turn, can cause a number of concerns, including worries over people’s driving abilities. There is an association between sleep hygiene and driving that goes beyond just coincidence; it has become apparent to many researchers as a clear cause-and-effect situation.
According to another study, individuals who had recently experienced sleep deprivation not only felt a sense of sleepiness and fatigue but also found themselves driving worse than they did without sleep deprivation. Since sleep hygiene directly impacts driving, it’s important to understand to what degree it impacts driving performance and alertness on the road.
How Poor Sleep Impacts Driving Performance and Alertness
Unfortunately, poor sleep can negatively impact driver performance, even leading to concerns about accidents due to lack of attention on the roadways. For those who work in the oil and gas sector, their long hours, especially for drivers, lead to decreased driving performance due to poor sleep and often irregular hours due to their work schedule. The more that their schedule varies and the longer their hours, the less likely they are to be driving with optimal attention and focus on what is on the road in front of them.
Yet, it’s important to note that many drivers who recognize that they are fatigued will try even harder to stay alert and perform at their very best, but even then, plenty of research suggests that drivers struggle with optimal performance and alertness (Source: ResearchGate). In fact, fatigue directly decreases driver alertness, which can cause even further likelihood of distractions or lack of attention to the roadways.
To combat this, many people who know that they are not alert enough for the road will drink more caffeine, even at the risk of disrupting their usual sleep patterns, which in turn hurt their sleep hygiene. It has been proven to actually be an effective counter-measure to the cognitive and physical challenges that come with sleep loss, so many people can still turn to this (Source: ScienceDirect). Even then, it might not always be a good idea to use caffeine to combat sleep challenges and to ensure proper driving.
For those with sleep disorders, this is entirely true, as studies have shown the increased likelihood of road accidents because of sleep disorders like obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
Sleep Disorders and the Increased Risk of Road Accidents
Sleep disorders, because they limit sleep hygiene, can massively impact the increased risk of road accidents. Even just looking at obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) demonstrates that people have a higher likelihood of road accidents due to their sleep challenges. A recent study in Europe determined that there is an increased accident risk for those who may fail to get support for their sleep apnea.
It's not just those with sleep apnea that are affected solely. Patients who have been diagnosed with restless leg syndrome, narcolepsy, and other related sleep disorders with limited sleep hygiene experienced more sleepiness behind the wheel and more accidents as compared to others who do not have sleep disorders.
So, as you can see, sleep disorders demonstrate why sleep hygiene and driving performance are linked, as well as why people who struggle with poor sleep hygiene are more likely to end up in accidents. But what do we do about this? Fortunately, we have some tips to share with you.
Tips for Safer Driving While Tired
If you must drive while you’re tired, there are a few things you can do. Obviously, it would be best to avoid driving while tired, but for those who must, drinking caffeine can help increase alertness so you pay attention to the road while you’re on your way home or to work.
If you find yourself getting tired and you can’t keep the yawns away, pull over and avoid the potential for micro-sleeps when you might fall asleep without meaning to. Even a short 20-minute nap in a quiet, safe place can help you feel a little more rested before you head on your way. However, it only works for short periods, so be careful and vigilant as you continue on!
Take Steps to Promote Safety While on the Roads
Poor sleep hygiene can directly affect your ability to drive and your contribution to safe roadways. While your work or daily schedule might make it difficult for you to stay off the road while tired, you can take steps to protect yourself and those around you.
For the best support for your health, prioritize your sleep, maintain a consistent schedule, and take strides to ensure you’re fully rested before you hit the road. When in need, don’t shy away from a short nap or a shot of caffeine if needed. For more articles on how to improve your sleep health, sleep hygiene, and more, visit our website to read the latest insights from experts.
