Staying Safe on the Roads With Chiropractic Care
By Donna Stark
There are plenty of things that our bodies need in order to stay healthy, safe, and alive. Things like food, water, clothing, and shelter are probably the first ones to come to mind, but let's not forget the one thing that is often placed on the back-burner of our days ... sleep! As a whole, we generally don't get enough sleep each night. We push our bodies to the limit, we try to fit as much activity as we can into our days, and in doing so, we end up sacrificing one of our greatest needs. A need so great in fact, that no matter how hard you try to stay awake, your body just won't let you, and at some point, you will crash. Fortunately, your local chiropractors at The Joint Chiropractic can help you get the sleep you need and reduce the risks that come with sleep deprivation.
The Dangerous Effects of Sleep Deprivation
It's fine if you are at home, resting on a couch or in your bed, when your body decides to crash, but it's not OK if you are behind the wheel. Like I said above, your body won't let you stay awake, no matter how hard you try and that includes the times you are driving. Take a look at some of the dangerous effects that sleep deprivation can cause while on the road.
- It decreases coordination
- It hinders performance
- It causes longer reaction times
- It impairs judgment
- It lowers your mental and physical alertness
- It weakens memory and the ability to retain information
Signs to Look For
Since you may not realize how sleepy or tired you really are when you are behind the wheel, it's important to know the signs of sleep deprivation. Here are a few of them.
- Constant blinking or heavy eyelids
- Head nodding
- Frequent yawning or eye rubbing
- Difficulty focusing on the road
- Trouble remembering the last few miles driven
- Missing exits or other traffic signs
- Drifting into the other lane or onto the shoulder
- Tailgating
- Feeling restless, having disconnected thoughts
- Irritability
Chiropractic Care Can Help Fight Sleep Deprivation
Driving while tired is the worst, but fortunately, chiropractic care can help! If you aren't sleeping well because pain and discomfort are keeping you awake or if your pain medications make you drowsy, head on in to see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic. Chiropractic care reduces those nightly disruptions that come from pain and can improve many different health issues as well, without the use of any prescription medications. It's the easiest, most effective way to get the rest you need and to stay alert while on the road!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Bellevue, Wash.