Tiredness when driving - General Health Message Board

BIGEYE · 07-14-2008, 10:32 AM

Over the last few months, after driving for about 20 to 30 minutes, I start to get quite sleepy. I have never had this problem before even if driving very long distances. I drive every day, although not for any great distance, maximum about 45 minutes at one time.
This sleepiness can stay with me for quite some time even after I have stopped driving.
I am almost 51 years of age, generally good health, although quite overweight. I wake up very early every morning (always have done), but generally get 5 to 6 hours sleep every night.
Also, I dont wear glasses to drive but know that I need to. Could this be the cause of my getting sleepy whilst driving, or could it be something more sinister.

bethsheba · 07-14-2008, 10:58 AM

The symptoms you describe are typical of someone with sleep apnea...the fact that you are overweight, increases the risk.

Nothing sinister about sleep apnea...check us out on the sleep disorders board.

Bethsheba

BIGEYE · 07-14-2008, 10:54 PM

Sleep apnea....maybe.

Could it possibly be an inactive thyroid? I don't eat very much at all, and my overweightedness is more a large pot belly than anything else (and I don't drink alcohol). My belly seems to have swelled more so in the last few months, and probably ties in with the tiredness. I have also stopped smoking probably just before these symptoms started appearing.
Sometimes I get a 'stomach blocked' feeling at the top of my stomach, and also have days of flatulence. I am not constipated, and the flatulence has only started perhaps a month ago.

ibake&pray · 07-15-2008, 07:52 AM

The fact that you stopped smoking can have some influence as there is caffeine in cigarettes. That and the extra weight can cause the fatigue. And the fact that you need to wear glasses can compound the problem. You are straining your eyes to drive which causes extra stress on your body..and it's a hazard to the other folks on the road. I would suggest that you get your eyes checked and get new glasses for driving, for starters. All of this can be causing you problems.