The book "Symptoms, Their Causes & Cures" states that drowsiness is often the cause of irregular sleep patterns. This disturbance to the sleep/wake cycle can be the result of excessive parties, jet lag, late work shifts or inconsistent bedtimes. Illness, alcohol consumption and certain medications can also interfere with sleep. Because some situations are life threatening, it is important to understand the side effects of being drowsy.
Injury
Drowsiness can significantly increase the risk of injury and reduce your performance behind the wheel. In fact, teen drivers alone are two times more likely to cause car accidents if drowsy. If you find yourself in this position, Dr. Fabio Cirignotta of the University of Bologna doesn't recommend using short term measures such as rolling down the window, drinking a caffeinated beverage or listening to music on the radio. Never reach for a cigarette to fight off drowsiness --- smokers are 3.2 times more likely to get involved in a car accident. Instead, pull over in a safe place and take a nap for about 15 minutes.
Intimacy Conflict
The National Sleep Foundation notes that extreme drowsiness can cause problems with intimacy. According to a 2008 poll called Sleep in America, 20 percent of people in the U. S. have lost interest in sex as a result of being drowsy. If you suffer from chronic sleepiness you may experience a low sex drive, impotency or even fall asleep while having sex. In addition, drowsiness can exacerbate intense feelings, causing you to withdraw from and avoid sexual situations.
Work Problems
The U.S. National Library of Medicine explains that excessive drowsiness can be more than just a nuisance --- it can cause serious performance problems at work. Drowsiness can cause difficulty learning new tasks, problems with concentration and complications when performing monotonous activities such as data entry.
References
- CBC News: Teens Unaware of Risks of Driving Drowsy
- National Sleep Foundation: Fatigue and Excessive Sleepiness
- U.S. National Library of Medicine : Excessive Daytime Sleepiness at Work and Subjective Work Performance in the General Population and Among Heavy Snorers and Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea
- "Symptoms, Their Causes & Cures"; Prevention Magazine Editors; 1996
