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What Causes Drowsiness While Driving At Night?

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Posted on Wed, 18 May 2016
Question: I am 32 year old male, from past few months I have started feeling sleepy in several minutes when I driving during night on highways, even though having enough sleep at day and start with total freshness at evening. I used to drive car occasionally during night earlier when needed but did not face such problems ever. Due to this I avoid driving at night on highways unless its necessary.

P.S. I feel even more sleepy when more lights annoy from the mirror.

Is there any specific reason behind happening this?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Saumya Mittal (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Possible osa

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I am Dr Mittal. I have read your message. I think I can help you.
The symptoms of the query are quite suggestive of a possible obstructive sleep apnea.
I have the following suggestions.
1. avoid alcohol
2. avoid coffee
3. sleep on your side, not the back.
You need to test with a sleep study.
I have tried to make it as simple as possible. I hope that the information contained in this message will be able to help you find the best solution for your problem. Best of luck. Dr Mittal
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Saumya Mittal (3 hours later)
Hi

Thanks for the suggestion.

#1 and #2 are not applicable as I am not consuming, I used to have tea in morning and evening.

I will try to sleep on side and avoid on back, but I used to sleep same way from the beginning.

I believe I sleep well, minimum 7-8 hours daily.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Saumya Mittal (51 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Explained below..

Detailed Answer:
Hi, Welcome back to HCM,
Thanks for your response.

I think it would be better to explain the situation.
In OSA it's not the duration of sleep that matters.
It's the quality of sleep that is important.
The people with OSA have brief spells in their sleep when they wake up.
These spells are so short that they are not noticed or remembered by you.
When we do a sleep study we monitor the changes.

This is a dangerous condition as it can lead to hypertension, heart disease and strokes if left untreated.

I have tried to make it as simple as possible. I hope that the information contained in this message will be able to help you find the best solution for your problem.

Best of luck.
Dr Mittal
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Saumya Mittal

Diabetologist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 2897 Questions

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What Causes Drowsiness While Driving At Night?

Brief Answer: Possible osa Detailed Answer: Hi, I am Dr Mittal. I have read your message. I think I can help you. The symptoms of the query are quite suggestive of a possible obstructive sleep apnea. I have the following suggestions. 1. avoid alcohol 2. avoid coffee 3. sleep on your side, not the back. You need to test with a sleep study. I have tried to make it as simple as possible. I hope that the information contained in this message will be able to help you find the best solution for your problem. Best of luck. Dr Mittal