According to a 2025 survey from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, 41% of U.S. adults have felt so sleepy while driving that it affected their ability to drive safely. That includes half of men (50%) and one-third of women (33%).

Drowsy driving is like driving drunk

Drowsy driving is a serious health and safety risk, and like drunk driving, it is completely avoidable. When you don’t get enough quality sleep, your brain doesn’t function at full capacity. Fatigue slows reaction times, reduces alertness, and makes it harder to stay focused on the road.

Even moderate sleep loss can affect driving ability in ways similar to alcohol.

One study found that after 17 to 19 hours without sleep, performance was equal or worse than driving with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.05%. Response speeds were up to 50% slower, and accuracy dropped significantly. After longer periods without sleep, performance declined to levels comparable to a BAC of 0.1%, which is higher than the legal limit for driving in all U.S. states.

Just as alcohol impairs judgment and coordination, drowsiness can delay reaction times and make it harder to respond quickly behind the wheel.

The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety estimates that about one in six fatal crashes involves a drowsy driver. Drivers between ages 35 and 44 were the most likely to report feeling so tired at the wheel that it impaired their ability to drive safely, but anyone can experience the effects of fatigue.

Warning signs to watch for

You might not realize how drowsy you are until it’s too late. Warning signs include:

• Frequent yawning or inability to keep your eyes open
• Catching yourself “nodding off” or having trouble keeping your head up
• Inability to remember driving the last few miles
• Missing road signs or driving past your turn
• Following too close to cars in front of you
• Drifting into the other lane of traffic
• Driving onto the “rumble strip” or the shoulder of the road

If any of these sound familiar, it’s time to pull over or have another passenger take the wheel.

How to stay alert

Before driving, make sure you’re well rested. The AASM recommends that adults should sleep seven or more hours per night on a regular basis. Avoid driving late at night or alone when possible, and share driving duties on long trips. If you start feeling drowsy, stop at a rest area and take a short nap.

If you work late or overnight shifts, arrange for a ride home instead of driving yourself.

Getting enough healthy sleep is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of drowsy driving.

Learn more about healthy sleep habits or find an AASM-accredited sleep center near you.

Related:

• The growing shortage of truck parking: A ticking time bomb for drowsy driving accidents
• Drowsy driving in teens
• Drowsy driving kills thousands each year on U.S. roads
• Prevent Drowsy Driving: Stay Awake at the Wheel!

The post Falling back could leave you drowsy behind the wheel appeared first on Sleep Education.

Safe sleep for infants

Creating a safe sleep environment is essential. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that in 2022, over 1,000 infants died from accidental suffocation and strangulation in bed.

“Co-sleeping is unsafe for infants, and routinely co-sleeping can potentially detract from the development of healthy sleep habits in children of any age,” said Dr. Rakesh Bhattacharjee, sleep physician and AASM spokesperson. “Consistently sleeping in their own sleep space may help children foster healthy sleep patterns.”

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that infants sleep in the same room as parents — but on a separate sleep surface designed for babies — for at least the first six months.

Tips for infant sleep safety

An AASM health advisory provides these tips to ensure a safe sleep environment for infants:

• Always place infants on their backs to sleep.
• Use a firm, flat surface with a fitted sheet, such as a crib, bassinet or playpen that meets U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission standards.
• Keep soft objects like additional sheets, blankets, crib bumpers, stuffed animals and toys out of the infant’s sleep area.
• Maintain a quiet sleep environment with no loud or continuous noise.

Is co-sleeping right for your family?

Occasionally co-sleeping with a scared or sick child is understandable, but regularly sharing a bed can impact long-term sleep habits. Parents should consider whether co-sleeping is supporting their child’s ability to develop independent and healthy sleep routines.

“As parents, we should be helping our children develop habits and learn routines that establish good sleep hygiene that will enable them to enjoy the benefits of healthy sleep for a lifetime,” said Dr. Bhattacharjee.

If you have concerns about your child’s sleep, visit the AASM’s sleep center directory to get help from the sleep team at an accredited sleep center.

Related:

• Stressed parents, sleepless nights
• The truth about melatonin use in kids
• Sleep disorders in children

The post Half of parents co-sleep with their child, new survey finds appeared first on Sleep Education.

Sleepiness and productivity

For almost half of us — 47% according to the AASM survey — sleepiness isn’t just a mild inconvenience; it affects productivity. Tasks that need focus feel harder, and staying on top of work becomes a challenge. And it’s not just about feeling sluggish. Many people see their overall work quality slip too. Men are also more likely than women to report a decline in work performance.

Mental health takes a hit

The effects go beyond work. Over one-third (38%) of people in the AASM survey say that daytime sleepiness negatively impacts their mental health. When you’re always tired, stress and mood swings are more common, making it tougher to stay positive and motivated.

Sleepiness and relationships

It’s hard to connect with others when you’re tired all the time. Daytime sleepiness can put a strain on interactions, with almost a quarter (24%) of people admitting that it affects their relationships with friends and family. After all, it’s tough to be your best self if you’re constantly fighting to stay awake.

Sleep and safety

Daytime drowsiness doesn’t just affect social and work life; it can also pose safety risks. The survey shows that 16% of people report slower reaction times while driving due to sleepiness. This means sleepiness isn’t just a personal issue; it can impact others too.

What can you do?

It starts with better sleep habits. The AASM recommends adults get at least seven hours of sleep each night. Need a place to start? Here are some quick tips:

• Stick to a schedule: Try going to bed and waking up at the same time every day.
• Create a sleep-friendly space: Keep your room cool, dark and quiet.
• Seek help if needed: If better sleep habits aren’t enough, talk to a health care professional, who may refer you to an AASM-accredited sleep center.

Takeaway

Sleep is essential, not just for health but for everyday life. If you’re regularly feeling sleepy, it may be time to make sleep a priority. Wondering how much sleep you’re getting? Track it for two weeks and see if it’s enough. Your productivity, mood and relationships may thank you.

Related

• Study links diet with daytime sleepiness in healthy adults
• FAQs of Zzz’s: Answering your top 10 sleep questions
• How sleep deprivation ages you quicker

The post Daytime sleepiness: More than just feeling tired appeared first on Sleep Education.

What is melatonin and how does it work?

Melatonin is a hormone that helps regulate the body’s internal clock. It’s widely available as an over-the-counter supplement in the U.S. Melatonin is the second-most popular “natural” product that parents give to their children, next to multivitamins.

There’s strong evidence that melatonin can help adjust sleep timing in people who have jet lag, shift work disorder or a delayed sleep-wake phase. But what about other sleep problems? There’s not as much evidence there, especially for kids. So, what does this mean? Should parents be giving it to their children?

Is melatonin a quick fix?

“Melatonin is often seen as a quick fix for sleep problems, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution,” said Dr. Jocelyn Y. Cheng, a sleep medicine physician and AASM Public Safety Committee member. She advised using melatonin for kids only with caution — and ideally under the guidance of a health care professional.

Overdose concerns

Following the pandemic, there are growing reports of melatonin overdose, calls to poison control centers and emergency room visits for children. This prompted the AASM to issue a health advisory about melatonin use in kids and teens.

Melatonin supplements are classified as dietary supplements, meaning they are not heavily regulated by the FDA. These supplements can vary significantly in dosage, especially in chewable forms. This makes it easy for kids to take too much. In one study, melatonin ranged from less than one-half to more than four times the amount stated on the label.

Also, supplements may contain chemicals that are considered controlled substances. In a recent study, researchers found quantities of a controlled substance used in the treatment of several neurological disorders in 8 of the 30 melatonin supplements tested.

Choosing products with the USP Verified Mark can help ensure the quality of the supplement. This mark indicates the product meets certain quality control standards, but only a few melatonin products have earned it.

What can parents do before using melatonin?

“Many sleep problems can be addressed through behavioral changes and improved sleep habits,” Dr. Cheng said. Before trying melatonin, try these tips:

• Set a regular bedtime: Use the AASM’s online bedtime calculator.
• Create the right environment: Keep the bedroom cool, dark and quiet.
• Make a calming routine: A relaxing pre-sleep routine can make a big difference.

Final thoughts

Melatonin can improve sleep in children whose body clocks are “off schedule” and in some children with developmental problems. It can be helpful, but it’s not always the best answer for kids.

Simple changes in bedtime habits might solve the problem without supplements. Always talk to a pediatric health care professional before giving melatonin to your child.

Related:

• Sleep disorders in children
• Experts tackle questions about healthy sleep on Reddit
• Over the counter: Will melatonin cure your sleep problems?

The post The truth about melatonin use in kids appeared first on Sleep Education.

The struggle for parking spaces

Truck drivers are confronted daily with insufficient truck parking spaces. There is currently only one parking space for every 11 trucks on the road. This places pressure on truck drivers to find a secure spot to rest within the limits of their legal work hours, pushing them to make risky decisions to meet their work obligations. As a result, many drivers resort to parking on freeway off-ramps, side streets, and retail parking lots.

Legislative efforts

Both Democrat and Republican lawmakers in Congress have joined forces to address this issue. They are backing bills that would allocate $755 million to build additional truck parking spots nationwide. Truckers are relying on this legislation to provide them with safe places to rest during their mandatory breaks.

Fatigue and drowsy driving

Truck drivers operate under federally mandated “Hours of Service” regulations that aim to prevent fatigue-related accidents. However, recent changes to these regulations have raised concerns about the impact on road safety. Longer on-duty times may lead to fatigue, which impairs a driver’s performance behind the wheel. Fatigue can compromise a driver’s ability to maintain necessary skills like eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity, leading to an increased risk of accidents.

Recent research suggests truck drivers sleep, on average, about 6.2 hours per day before driving, which is less than the recommended 7 or more hours the AASM recommends. Additionally, drivers traveling between time zones may face an additional burden of fatigue. For truckers, the effect of shifting time zones is amplified given their non-traditional work schedule, raising the risk of drowsy driving accidents.

Scheduling variations pose a safety risk as well. Truckers may experience shift work disorder, which occurs when you have difficulties adjusting to your wake and sleep times due to your work schedule. Shift work disorder causes you to have trouble sleeping or be severely tired.

Watch this video for truckers to understand the signs, causes, and consequences of driver fatigue.

The role of sleep apnea

While long work hours can contribute to fatigue, sleep apnea may also play a role. Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep, leading to poor quality sleep and daytime drowsiness. Sleep apnea can impair drivers’ ability to stay alert and attentive behind the wheel. Estimates into the prevalence of sleep apnea among truck drivers vary; most likely, around 40% of truckers have the sleep disorder.

Despite its potential impact on road safety, there is no federal requirement for sleep apnea testing for commercial motor vehicle drivers. Some drivers fear that undergoing a sleep study and getting diagnosed with sleep apnea could jeopardize their jobs. However, it’s essential to recognize that sleep apnea is treatable. Your medical provider or a sleep doctor can help you select a treatment plan that is right for you.

Conclusion

The shortage of truck parking spaces has become a major roadblock for truck drivers. The constant search for a safe resting place leaves many drivers sleep-deprived and prone to drowsy driving accidents. Providing rest and parking for truck drivers is more than just a convenience, it’s a step toward ensuring safety on the road.

Medical review by John Saito, MD

Related:

• Study shows high rate of truckers with undiagnosed sleep apnea
• Sleep apnea, shift work a danger on the roads and rails

Authored by: Kate Robards

The post The growing shortage of truck parking: A ticking time bomb for drowsy driving accidents appeared first on Sleep Education.

You should tell the Food and Drug Administration about your experience. An FDA program called MedWatch helps identify important safety concerns to protect you from unexpected problems that could be dangerous.

How does MedWatch work?

The FDA regulates a wide range of products — everything from drugs and medical devices to cosmetics and infant formula. MedWatch allows patients, consumers, and health care providers to report serious problems with the medical products they use or prescribe.

Reporting problems with drugs or medical devices can help the FDA detect safety hazards. If a safety hazard is found, the FDA can issue a safety alert or recall.

The FDA gets important information when you submit a report to MedWatch about unexpected side effects, adverse events, or other problems. Learn more about the type of reports the FDA needs from you.

This video describes what you should know about submitting a MedWatch report.

You’re encouraged to report adverse events, side effects, or other problems related to FDA-regulated products to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Related:

• Patient organizations team up to help people with sleep disorders
• Philips PAP device recall: Guidance for patients

Authored by:

Kate Robards

The post FDA safety program allows you to report problems with drugs, medical devices appeared first on Sleep Education.

Where can I find information about the recall?

The recall notification is posted at philips.com/src-update. Also, the FDA has posted responses to several questions about the recall. Read FAQs from the FDA.

How do I find out if my PAP machine has been recalled?

You can start by viewing a list of recalled devices on the Philips website. To confirm that your device has been recalled, you need to visit the Philips registration site to register your device. The website will give you instructions on how to locate the serial number of your device. It also will guide you through the registration process. You can contact Philips at SRC.Support@philips.com or (877) 907-7508 for additional help.

View a video on how to register your device:

Will Philips replace my PAP device?

Philips has stated that it will repair or replace recalled devices. Philips is replacing some devices with new DreamStation 2 machines. These devices have a different, silicone-based foam that is not included in the recall. Philips also plans to repair some recalled devices by changing the foam. Philips stated in September 2021 that the company intends to complete the repair and replacement programs within approximately 12 months.

If my device has been recalled, should I stop using it?

An FDA safety communication advises you to talk to your health care provider to decide on a suitable treatment for your condition. Your medical provider can help you determine if you should continue or discontinue treatment. Your provider may prescribe a new PAP device for you. Your provider also may discuss other treatment options with you.

Why were the devices recalled?

Philips indicates that there were reports of black particles being found in the tubing, mask, and around the connections to the device. These particles are from foam inside the machine that is used to keep it quieter. The concern is that these particles may be inhaled when the device is being used. This could result in problems such as headaches, asthma, and nausea. Testing by Philips  also has found that there are VOCs (volatile organic compounds) that are being released into the airflow from the CPAP device foam. These are not yet known to have caused medical issues, but the FDA is concerned about what this may cause in the future. Since this is a new concern, Philips is collecting data to better understand the potential risk of this foam.

The FDA notes that between 2014 and April 2021, Philips submitted 30 medical device reports (eight from the U.S.) they identified as related to foam breakdown.  Prior to April 2021, the FDA did not receive any medical device reports of patient injury or harm related to foam breakdown. Since April 2021, the FDA has received more than 3,000 medical device reports related to foam breakdown.

What does this have to do with ozone cleaners? How should I clean my PAP device?

Philips reports that the foam used to keep the devices quieter breaks down quicker when exposed to high heat, high humidity, and non-approved cleaning devices that use ozone. The FDA recommends that you follow the cleaning instructions provided by the PAP manufacturer. These directions normally include regular cleaning of your mask, cushions, tubing and water chamber with soap and water. PAP manufacturers also recommend changing your PAP filter on a regular basis. An FDA safety communication warned that you should avoid cleaning your PAP machine or accessories (such as masks, tubing, headgear) with any device that uses ozone gas or UV light. According to the FDA, it is unknown if these cleaners are safe and effective. See the FDA consumer update for more details. Additionally, Philips released cleaning and inspection instructions for existing accessories.

Updated Nov. 19, 2021

Related:

• Philips PAP device recall: Guidance for patients

The post Philips PAP device recall: FAQs for patients appeared first on Sleep Education.

The post Philips PAP device recall: Guidance for patients appeared first on Sleep Education.

Drowsy driving happens when a driver of a motor vehicle is too sleepy to stay alert. A sleepy driver will have slower reaction time, reduced road attention, and impaired ability to make good driving decisions. Research shows that driving after being awake for 24 hours is comparable to driving with a blood alcohol content of 0.10, above 0.08 which is the legal limit of intoxication.

The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety estimates that more than 6,000 fatal crashes are related to drowsy driving every year. Although not all of these drowsy drivers are teens, the National Safety Council estimates that drivers under the age of 25 are involved in at least 50 percent of drowsy driving crashes.

Teens and young adults have a higher risk of drowsy driving because they are newer drivers who are often chronically sleep deprived. The combination of sleepy teens driving with limited skills and little experience poses a danger to drivers and pedestrians.

As a high school student, I am familiar with sleep deprivation and the constant need to balance schoolwork, extracurriculars, and social activities. As a new driver, I am aware of the risks of drunk driving, but drowsy driving was never on my radar. On school days I leave the house at 7:20 a.m. (often sleep deprived) and drive a short distance to school. A rarely discussed topic, driving while sleepy has almost as high of a risk as driving while drunk.

Drunk drivers experience reduced and slower brain function. Alcohol consumption negatively impacts the central nervous system resulting in impaired thinking and reasoning, reduced muscle coordination, and slower reaction, all are critical abilities of safe vehicle operation. As the amount of alcohol consumption increases, the risk of crashes becomes higher. Sleep deprivation has similar effects on the brain. Teens are taught to avoid driving after drinking; why not teach them to avoid driving while sleepy?

Successful campaign tactics to prevent drunk driving could be applied to reduce drowsy driving. Another way to tackle drowsy driving in teens would be to provide them longer sleep duration by delaying school start times. I believe that both strategies could reduce incidents of drowsy driving. Other strategies include developing technology to alert drivers with slower reaction times or reduced road attention. To prevent more victims, efforts to raise awareness of drowsy driving should start now.

Talia M. Dunietz is an 11th-grade student at Huron High School in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

The post Drowsy driving in teens appeared first on Sleep Education.

As her mother walked her to the car, the dialogue between them would be etched in our memories forever. Brianna’s mother told her to be careful, to which her reply was, “Don’t you trust me?” Her mother assured Brianna that it wasn’t her that she didn’t trust, but other drivers on the road. Brianna’s response was, “You have to let me go, mom,” to which her mother replied, “I’ll just hold on to you tighter.”

Those were the last words we would hear from our daughter.

She was not scheduled to work that day, but being the Christmas season, she was picking up extra hours from co-workers taking off for the holidays. This was a second job she picked up, since she was employed at the airport in Oroville, California, working on a mechanics apprenticeship.

A young, heavy-set, 21-year old man was driving faster than the speed limit. The roads were wet from the rain earlier that morning. My wife and I later found out, according to the driver’s wife, that the man had been sick.

They had a new baby and he was not getting enough sleep.

He went to work that morning to make a delivery since he worked at a transmission shop. He had texted his wife telling her he felt sick, and she replied telling him to come home. In need of the work, he proceeded to make the delivery anyway.

For a time, the man managed to stay on the highway, swerving in and out of the adjacent lane for four miles – drowsing off repeatedly – until he lost control of his pickup truck on a corner of the highway. As the vehicle crossed the center median and up the embankment, his truck went airborne. At that exact moment, our daughter Brianna was coming around the corner.

He collided head-on with her vehicle.

The Highway Patrol report indicated Brianna had no time to react, and was probably not even aware of what hit her. Had there been a one-second delay in the timing, he would have missed her and she’d be alive today. Had there been rails on that section of highway around that dangerous corner, it would have kept him on his side of the highway and she would still be alive.

When my wife got the call from the hospital, she called me in tears. We were devastated! Our world fell out from under our feet that day.

How could this happen? She was our only daughter, our only child.

Our daughter, Brianna, was a unique child, as all children are in their own right. However, though some children enter the world with greater advantages than others, to a large degree, it is up to each individual what they make of themselves in life.

Through most of Brianna’s developing years she was raised in a rural environment, experiencing the great outdoors.  As an only child, she would spend time roaming with her dog around our 15-acre property in the foothills of Yosemite, California. Her love of country life outweighed city living.

Brianna’s upbringing, as a homeschooler taught by her mother, provided her a tremendous advantage in the academic years. Coupled with fresh air, plenty of sunshine and exercise in a natural environment, this paid off during those elementary and high school years.

Brianna’s love for flying began by reading about missionary pilots of the last century. Seeds were planted that would sprout and bear fruit within a few years. She would see her dreams becoming a reality, even before adulthood. At her memorial service, it had been stated that she lived a whole life in those brief 19 years.

In the last year of Brianna’s life, we saw a maturing – mentally and even spiritually. Mature people take responsibility for their actions. She learned that this in itself pays dividends:  respect, trust, and dependability, to name a few.

As a pilot preparing for mission service, she was just two weeks away from her commercial pilot’s license. Brianna had been on two humanitarian mission trips to Panama and Ecuador, where she saw severe poverty first-hand. She also had been to Japan, where she escorted a mother and her son as their photographer. Brianna was an avid and active scuba diver at the master level, a photographer, videographer, and a violinist; these were among her biggest achievements. Although she had much drive, she was also down to earth, teachable, non-judgmental of others, eager to be helpful where she could, and a friend to all.

The weeks and months that followed our daughter’s death were incredibly difficult.

Words cannot express the anguish, grief, pain, frustration, even anger experienced by a parent in losing a child. These emotions were compounded by sleeplessness, an inability to concentrate, and overall helplessness.  It has been said that losing a child is probably the most horrific loss a human being can endure. One thing is for certain: Parents come to grips with the dark realities of life in such times.

Only one’s faith can carry you through such an experience. But through it all, we have grown deeper in an understanding and appreciation of our heavenly Father, and we believe He fastened us in His loving arms. He truly holds the breath of every soul in His hands.

Giving a fair account of what has transpired in the 33 months since our loss would require us to write a book. For the purpose of this article, let it be said that we realized, through the influence of close friends and associates, that we needed to tell our story. A website was set up, and eventually a foundation was established:  Brianna’s Wings of Passion. We hope that it will further Brianna’s legacy and be the means of bringing hope to hurting hearts that have also experienced loss and tragedy.

The man who took our daughter’s life faced no legal consequences.

He was not under the influence of alcohol, or drugs; he just fell asleep. Since there is not enough information or preventive laws on the books regarding drowsy driving, no prosecutorial action could be taken.

In response, my wife and I are pursuing prevention and legislative efforts to reduce traffic collisions, especially those that result in a loss of life, as national interest continues to grow. In particular, this year has opened doors for us to meet with county officials and senators at the state and federal levels to consider pursing legislation.

Along with the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, we look to assist with drowsy driving awareness and prevention.  Here are a few ways in which we are currently involved:

• Helping to put up rails on the stretch of highway where our daughter was killed;
• Urging Cal-Trans (California Department of Transportation) to put up signage across the state to bring drowsy driving awareness to the public;
• Asking the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to add the effects of drowsy driving into their manuals, to include new drowsy driving verbiage in the DMV’s examination for renewal or licensure, and to include medical conditions in the application process that would alert highway patrol officers of potential drowsiness-inducing conditions at a traffic collision or when pulling over a driver; and
• Working with California Highway Patrol (CHP) to bring awareness to schools on the dangers of drowsy driving. The CHP will be doing a state-wide awareness campaign including a short interview on our family’s experience.

The drowsy driving issue certainly has become an epidemic in this nation.

We are pleased to see many groups – both private and public – collaborating on solutions. Our hope is that these efforts will curb the number of crashes and reduce the annual number of crash fatalities, both of which are on the rise.

For more information about Brianna Cassidy’s story, please visit the Brianna’s Wings of Passion Foundation website.

The post A life of passion cut short by drowsy driving appeared first on Sleep Education.