Most people are aware of the hazards of drunk driving. But did you know that driving while drowsy
can be just as deadly? Like alcohol, a lack of sleep makes it harder to react quickly enough to a car that stops suddenly, a sharp curve in the road, and other potentially dangerous situations.
Watch for these warning signs that you might be too sleepy to drive safely:

■ trouble keeping your eyes focused
■ continual yawning
■ inability to recall driving the last few miles
If you feel sleepy while driving, pull off the road to a
safe place and take a nap for 15 to 20 minutes.
Tips To Avoid Drowsy Driving:
■ Be well rested before hitting the road.
Keep in mind that if you skimp on sleep for
several nights in a row, it might take more than1 night of good sleep to be well rested and
alert.
■ Avoid driving between midnight and 7 a.m.
This period of time is when we are naturally the
most sleepy.
■ Don’t drive alone. A companion who’s awake
and can keep you engaged in conversation may
help you stay awake.
■ Schedule frequent breaks on long road trips.
■ Don’t drink alcohol!
■ Don’t count on caffeine. Although drinking a
cola or coffee might help keep you awake for a
short time, it won’t overcome excessive
sleepiness.
Skimping on sleep has a price. Cutting back by even
1 hour can make it tough to focus the next day andcan slow your response time. Studies also find that
when you lack sleep, you are more likely to make bad decisions and take more risks. This can result in lower performance on the job or in school and a greater risk
for a car crash.
Mood: Sleep also affects mood. Insufficient sleep can make you irritable and is linked to poor behavior and trouble with relationships, especially among children and teens. People who chronically lack sleep are also more likely to become depressed.
Health: Sleep is also important for good health. Studies show that not getting enough sleep or getting
poor quality sleep on a regular basis increases the risk of having high blood pressure, heart disease, and other medical conditions.

In addition, during sleep, your body produces valuable hormones. Deep sleep triggers more release of growth hormone, which fuels growth in children, and helps build muscle mass and repair cells and tissues in children and adults. Another type of hormone that increases during sleep works to fight various infections.
This might explain why a good night’s sleep helps keep you from getting sick—and helps you recover when you do get sick.
Hormones released during sleep also affect how the body uses energy. Studies find that the less people
sleep, the more likely they are to be overweight or obese, to develop diabetes, and to prefer eating foods
that are high in calories and carbohydrates