A Little Exercise Shown to Help Ward Off Drowsy Driving

Every year, people die in preventable car accidents that were caused by a drowsy or fatigued driver. However, new research demonstrates that exercising may help prevent fatigued driving.

The research indicates that those who exercise more often had a much higher probability of being in good health and of getting better sleep, compared to individuals who do not exercise.

The research derived from a 2013 Sleep in America poll that the National Sleep Foundation conducted. More than 1,000 individuals participated in the survey. Participants ranged in age from 23 to 60. Each person who participated in the survey listed their degree of physical activity and graded their own level of physical activity by characterizing it as “no activity”, “light,” “moderate” and “vigorous.”

Individuals who reported that they had “no activity” were more likely to suffer from sleep conditions. About 50 percent of these participants reported that they wake up during the night.

Additionally, about 25 percent of these individuals reported that they had trouble going back to sleep after they woke up nearly every night. Individuals who reported that they had no physical exercise were more likely to suffer from sleep apnea, which may mean that they are more prone to fall asleep in the daytime when they are more likely to be driving.

However, individuals who reported that they exercised were more likely to have better sleep habits. For example, participants who said their level of physical activity was “vigorous” were two times more likely to sleep well during the nights, compared to participants who reported that they had no physical activity.

The participants who vigorously exercised reported that they had a good night’s sleep for every night or most nights of the week. The majority also reported that they did not have problems waking up early or going back to sleep after waking up.

Individuals who suffer from sleep apnea or other sleeping disorders may be at an increased risk of causing an automotive accident. The research indicates that even a little exercise may result in a positive effect on people’s sleeping habits, which in turn can make them safer drivers.

Injured by a drowsy driver? Put our experienced injury law team to work for you!

If you have been injured in a car accident caused by a fatigued driver, a Tampa injury attorney may be able to help. Contact the office of Abrahamson & Uiterwyk today at 1-800-538-4878 for a free initial consultation.