The car accident attorneys at Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers have learned that drowsy driving poses a serious threat to St. Louis drivers. Here are a few sobering statistics:
- About 100,000 car accidents per year are the direct result of fatigued drivers.
- These accidents figure into approximately 1,550 deaths, 71,000 injuries and $12.5 billion in monetary losses.
- In a National Sleep Foundation poll, 60% of people reported that they’ve driven while feeling drowsy—37% of these drivers admitted to falling asleep at the wheel.
In an effort to promote safer roadways we’ve looked into sleep loss and natural ways you can get a better night’s sleep so that you don’t endanger yourself and others on the road.
Exercise Outside
One of the many benefits of working out is increased speed of falling asleep. Exercising in the sunlight several hours during the day is a great way to expel energy. If you’re worried about the UV rays, work out earlier in the morning, or put on sunscreen. Come bedtime, your body will be eager to regenerate the lost energy with a good night’s rest.
Get a Better Mattress
If your mattress is too firm, too soft, or too worn out, it may be getting in the way of your ability to fall or stay asleep. Many are praising the effectiveness of memory foam mattresses. Designed to promote good posture, memory foam mattresses will help to alleviate nagging back or neck pain. It might be time for a new mattress if you are struggling to get comfortable in your bed, or if you wake up feeling sore.
If a new mattress isn’t in your budget, consider replacing your pillows. Sleep experts suggest changing your pillows at least once every two years will improve your posture and contribute to a better night’s sleep. It’s certainly cheaper than a new mattress, and your neck will thank you.
Form Good Drinking Habits
It’s no secret reducing your caffeine intake makes getting to sleep far easier. If you need your morning coffee to get going, limit yourself to decaffeinated beverages in the afternoon.
Caffeinated drinks aren’t the only beverages contributing to America’s sleep epidemic. Many people live by the old wives’ tale that a bit of alcohol helps you fall asleep easier, but experts have found that a “night cap” contributes to restless sleep. If you find yourself waking up in the middle of the night. You may want to rethink using alcohol as a sleep aid.
Dim the Lights
The human brain is designed to be alert and awake when bright lights are on. In the evening time, create a little ambiance in your room by installing red light bulbs. Many are claiming that turning on the warm colored lights about an hour before bed will promote sleepiness. Use the red lights if you get up in the middle of the night as well, so falling back asleep is easier.
Don’t Drive Drowsy
Your unhealthy sleeping habits may be putting you and others at risk. If you know you’ll be getting behind the wheel, make sure you’re doing what you can get enough sleep. If you are feeling drowsy, don’t get behind the wheel. You may end up seriously injuring yourself or someone else, and ultimately find yourself a defendant in a personal injury lawsuit. If you are injured by another motorist and you suspect fatigue to be a contributing cause, contact a car accident lawyer at Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers today. The initial consultation is always free!
