California is full of hard-working people working all night and day hours. But unfortunately, these people live with a condition called Shift Work Sleep Disorder. As a recent study from the University of Missouri shows, having this condition can drastically increase your likelihood of being in a car accident.
What is Shift Work Sleep Disorder?
Shift Work Sleep Disorder (SWSD) is a condition affecting 2.5 million people in the United States. This condition causes someone to struggle to adjust to a new sleep and wake cycle. The main side effects of SWSD can include having problems falling or staying asleep. It’s commonly thought that only people who work during the night suffer from SWSD. However, it’s also possible for people who work during traditional business hours to manage this condition.
Startling research findings
A group of researchers from the University of Missouri wanted to know how people with SWSD drive. The researchers uncovered a startling fact in data collected from 2006 to 2015. This fact was that people suffering from SWSD are three times more likely to be in car accidents than individuals without this condition. With that said, researchers have yet to discover if SWSD impacts drivers more than other sleep-related ailments like sleep apnea or insomnia.
To wrap up, Shift Work Sleep Disorder can be hazardous for the shift worker and others on the road. Experts recommend that people with SWSD try to take rideshares when they’re feeling sleepy or get a ride from a friend or family member. If possible, it’s also recommended for these people to rest before they drive home from work.