Have you ever felt your eyelids getting so heavy that they threaten to close? Are you yawning constantly or staring blankly at the road? Don’t fall into the trap, these are clear signs that sleep is taking over.
Many drivers and machine operators experience sleep problems. A poor night’s sleep, frequent awakenings, or total sleep deprivation can have devastating consequences the following day, often resulting in extreme fatigue.
Excessive daytime drowsiness poses a serious threat to road safety. It can lead to critical errors or even accidents with irreversible consequences. Chronic fatigue from sleep deprivation impairs attention, concentration, and reflexes, greatly increasing the risk of serious incidents.
Getting quality sleep is essential for handling daily activities and maintaining overall well-being. Investing in good sleep means investing in safety.
Using Substances to Fight Drowsiness
Truck drivers are among the most vulnerable groups when it comes to traffic accidents. Due to tight schedules, they often drive for extended hours. In many cases, they rely on substances such as amfepramone, alcohol, or cocaine to stay awake.
Also known as amphetamine, amfepramone is used to prolong driving hours to meet deadlines or make more deliveries. However, its use comes with serious consequences, both for the driver and for others on the road.
Now that you know its meaning and use, the main question remains: how exactly does amfepramone affect the nervous system? It’s a stimulant that accelerates brain activity, creating a false sense of energy and reduced fatigue. It increases the ability to perform repetitive tasks for longer periods. It also suppresses hunger and temporarily boosts mental and physical performance, making users feel more alert. However, the drowsiness remains.
Overusing this substance can lead to mood swings, including irritability, aggression, and depression. It may impair motor coordination and cause paranoia or delusions of persecution. In short, the combination of fatigue, pressure to meet deadlines, and substance use often leads to accidents.
Some common side effects of amfepramone include:
- Dilated pupils
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure
- Dry nose and mouth;
- Loss of appetite
- Anxiety
- Gastric issues
- Motor restlessness
- Panic
- Irreversible brain damage
- Blurry vision
Transportation and bus companies must plan trips and shifts in a way that balances professional responsibilities with personal well-being. This improves quality of life and ensures greater safety for workers.
In addition, sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea, insomnia, and narcolepsy cause fatigue and excessive daytime drowsiness, further increasing the risk of traffic accidents. That is why professional drivers should undergo regular medical evaluations. These evaluations should investigate symptoms such as frequent snoring, gasping or choking during sleep, and daytime drowsiness. Physical indicators like obesity, hypertension, or a large neck circumference should also be considered. If the driver is found to be at risk, further diagnosis is essential. On the one hand, there is the Biologix Sleep Test®, a practical, simple and efficient test that can be conducted at home, without spending the night at a sleep lab, using only a sensor and a phone application.
On the other hand, the diagnosis can be carried out through an exam known as polysomnography. This exam is more complex and requires the patient to spend the night in a sleep lab. The patient is monitored with sensors that record the airflow through the nose and mouth, blood oxygenation, heart rate, brain activity, and movements of the chest and limbs.
The key message is this: prioritize your sleep. If you notice warning signs, seek medical advice. Taking care of your sleep is also taking care of yourself and others.
Tips for Safe Driving
Here are some helpful tips to ensure safer driving for both professional and everyday drivers:
1 - It may sound obvious, but the best advice is to rest before getting behind the wheel. Avoid driving late at night, especially between 2:00 AM and 6:00 AM, or in the early afternoon between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM, when drowsiness peaks.
2 – Do not set a fixed arrival time. This creates unnecessary pressure and may lead to risky decisions. In the end, sleep always wins.
3 – Eat healthy meals. Fatty, heavy foods are harder to digest and can contribute to drowsiness.
4 – Adjust your seat and find a comfortable driving position. Poor posture or strain leads to quicker fatigue.
5 – If you are driving for over two hours, take breaks to stretch your legs and boost circulation.
6 – Pause every two hours. When you feel sleepy, pull over in a safe location. Wash your face, drink water or coffee, and take a short walk.
7 - Never take medications that impair your attention. If you're on medication that causes drowsiness or dizziness, do not drive.
IMPORTANT! Only properly qualified physicians and dental surgeons can diagnose diseases, recommend treatments and prescribe medications. The information available herein is for educational purposes only.
