Ya gotta be careful

[WinterDeere]

It's amazing how easy and fast we can fall asleep when we don't want to. It happened to me once when I was 15, but I got lucky and was awakened by a passenger.

I also used to have trouble getting drowsy while driving when I was a teen, even into my early 20's. Then things reversed by my late 20's, and I was routinely doing straight-thru 15-hour and longer drives, such as Philly to Disneyworld or Michigan... sometimes round-trips with nothing but a short rest in-between.

That sort of stamina, to just go without a break for 24 or even 40 hours lasted thru my 40's, as I suspect it does for many. But whereas I can clearly feel that period of my life has come to an end, I think some fail to recognize the need to limit oneself, as they get into their 50's and beyond.

I still sleep very little, it's rare for me to spend more than 5 hours in bed at night. But now I feel the need to take a quick nap either after lunch or after dinner, most days. I never did that before age 50. I wouldn't even attempt a straight-thru drive longer than 8 - 12 hours anymore, whereas 15 or 20 years ago I'd have done it without even a thought or preparation.

Oh, and I'm not implying this was the OP's case, I'm just responding on this tangential comment.

 

[chim]

A CPAP or APAP makes a big difference. Since getting an APAP back around 2011 falling asleep at the wrong times has not been a problem. Before that I'd drift off in meetings and church. I even fell asleep while waiting for a green light. Now at 76 I can drive for hours whether day or dark, don't fall asleep in meetings and feel more energetic in the mornings.

 

[big bubba]

OP: @ time of accident, how did it become known that the accident was med related? did you declare it at the time?
glad good fortune was with you that day.

 

[droy]

Second bout of Covid, + Long Covid & suspected side effects of the last vaccine really wreaked havoc on my 72 yo body. A much younger more knowledgeable “health nut” co worker gave me lots of good advice on natural preventative & remedies. Can’t pinpoint what actually helped as I was trying everything to combat the condition I had lapsed into. Lack of energy, very, VERY easily fatigued, brain fog, memory loss, etc.
Began drinking peach juice in morning (supposed to be helpful in providing oxygen into blood). Apple cider vinegar if you are diabetic, Ivermectin (I think everyone should at least educate themselves about the benefits of this stuff & strongly consider taking it.
I did also change my diet SOMEWHAT, along with smaller portions which probably accounted for a weight reduction of 27 lbs. so far
All in all, I’m still 72 years old but it sure feels like a much younger 72.

 

[Fixastuff]

Hopefully I can recognize when it’s time for me to stop driving. I had multiple relatives that drove way past when was safe but thanks to God didn’t harm anyone else.

 

[big bubba]

friend of mine in late 70's has resorted to Tesla's driverless functions. personally i would never resort to that option, although most modern vehicles have numerous safety features that can help with age impaired drivers in vehicle operation, which is a good thing. but no, i'll be in charge of driving

having said that, modern vehicles are packed with creature comforts, power, and distracting electronic gadgetry that imho only isolates drivers from from the reality of the road. add age, & it's a recipe for trouble.

in the OP's case, good to hear everything worked out, no one was hurt, and a thumb's up to the OP for sharing his experience in this forum. regards

 

[etpm]

OP: @ time of accident, how did it become known that the accident was med related? did you declare it at the time?
glad good fortune was with you that day.

At the time of the accident I was a little woozy from the impact. Later in the day I looked up my meds and saw that the heart medication can rarely cause drowsiness. I spoke with my doc and she said that if it did cause any drowsiness I would get used to the effect within a few days. Or just take it at night and don't worry. In any case there is no way to be sure if it contributed. It may have. But for sure my sleep deprivation was the main cause. That also has been taken care of.
Eric

 

[big bubba]

your honesty on the subject & learning from it is commendable, regards

 

[etpm]

Thanks everyone for the positive comments. We all for sure must take responsibility for our actions. Tuesday I have another meeting with my doc to make sure I am OK to drive. There was more than one cause of my sleep deprivation and I have taken care of them all. Stuff adds up incrementally and we don't realize it, especially if it is a sleep problem and our thinking is distorted from lack of sleep.
Cheers,
Eric

 

[walnutman]

When driving long distances I get the zombie effect after about 7 or 8 hours. Coffee and energy drinks didn't help. But what I did find that worked for me was No Doze.