7.9 Lack of Sleep and Risk-Taking Behaviors

Lack of sleep is associated with increased likelihood of engaging in injury-related risk behaviors, like infrequent bicycle helmet use, infrequent seatbelt use, riding with a driver who has been drinking, drinking and driving, and texting while driving (Wheaton, 2016). Not surprisingly, accident rates are much higher among individuals with shortened or otherwise disturbed sleep. In fact, research using driving simulation tests has repeatedly demonstrated that people who are sleep deprived perform similarly to those who are drunk (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, 2011). Vehicle crashes are the leading cause of occupational fatalities, and drowsiness and falling asleep at the wheel have been cited as primary factors in these crashes; other reported factors such as driver inattention, speeding, and running off the road can also be influenced by fatigue (Price, 2011).

Also, keep in mind that being sleep deprived increases the sedating effects of alcohol and medications. In fact, one beer can have the same effect as two or three beers if the individual is sleep deprived (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, 2011).