Driver Fatigue

Recently, I've been catching myself nodding off as I drive. Almost every time, this occurs in the afternoon with the sun glaring down at me. The heat makes me drowsy and I feel myself nodding in and out. I would miss my exit and find myself down a road I don't remember taking. It's a miracle I haven't killed anyone or myself. And it's not just when Im driving. I could stop at a stop sign and feel drowsy and wake up to people honking at me to go becuase the light has turn green. To combat this, I make sure I stock up on Red Bull when I'm on the road and pull over when I start to feel tired.

This morning, the air was crisp and cool. I don't remember feeling drowsy and I did get to bed by 9:30 pm last night. But 30 minutes into my drive, I found myself nodding in and out sleep. I pulled over and napped for ten minutes. I was really tired. After the nap, I continued on my way to work just to find myself nodding in and out of sleep again.

I finally made it to work and pulled into the parking lot. I don't understand, I feel as if I am getting enough sleep per night, but the minute I get into my car and start driving, I nod off. I wonder if there are other factors other than sleep deprivation. Could there be carbon monoxide leakage?