According to a recent government study, one out of every 24 adults say they have fallen asleep while driving.  Some health experts contend that the number is even higher because people often do not realize when they nod off at the wheel for just a second or two.  No matter how you count it, falling asleep at the wheel is a huge danger.

One surprising cause of drowsy driving is the use of sleep medication at bedtime. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently called for lowered bedtime doses of certain popular sleep medications.  According to the FDA, the new dosage recommendations will help prevent drowsiness for drivers driving the next morning.

Each year, doctors write approximately 40 million prescriptions for Zolpidem, the active ingredient in sleeping pills.  It is sold under generic names like Ambien.  The FDA has received 700 reports of “impaired ability” and traffic accidents that they believe to be caused by the effects of sleeping pills.

The FDA made the following recommendations:

• Women appear to be the most at risk due to their weight and smaller stature, so they need to pay particular attention to the bedtime dosage.
• Dosages should be cut from 10 mg to 5 mg for immediate release pills and from 12.5 mg to 6.25 mg in extended release pills.
• Doctors should prescribe, and patients should take, the lowest possible doses capable of treating the patient’s insomnia.

If you take sleeping medication to help fall asleep, make sure to follow the FDA’s new recommendations to ensure a safe journey the next morning.  If you have been injured in an automobile accident, however, consult with experienced Treasure Coast automobile accident attorneys to get you the settlement you deserve.