A growing body of research is pointing to what we know anecdotally to be true: driving too much is bad for your health. Some of us can, and should, drive even when we’re unwell or feeling under the weather. But for others, driving too much might do more harm than good. So, whether you’re a car enthusiast or stick to walking and public transit, it pays to know what dangers you may be putting your health at if you take to the roads frequently.
Many of us drive, yet few think about how much we should be getting behind the wheel. Although it seems convenient, driving is one of the most dangerous things we can do, both for ourselves and everyone else sharing the road. There is a good chance that you are getting behind the wheel too much, and here are five ways that too much driving can harm your health.
Car Accidents
Millions of people each year are involved in car accidents. One driver is not at fault for the accident. They can have an accident due to drowsy driving, distracted driving, speeding, and driving under the influence. Studies show that driving too much causes damage to your body and poses the risk of premature death.
In addition to these risks associated, it’s essential to consider the most common injuries in car accidents that people may experience. From whiplash injuries, which can result in lasting neck and back discomfort, to more severe conditions like head trauma, the physical toll of an accident can be substantial. However, in case you’ve been involved in an accident, you can seek legal advice ensure your rights are protected. But at the same time, you should try to reduce driving to avoid such incidents in the future.
Obesity and Muscle Stiffness
Did you know that driving too much can lead to obesity? It’s true. Research has found that obese drivers are more likely to have a heart attack than non-obese drivers. This is because it increases your risk for diabetes, heart disease, stroke, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, certain cancers, arthritis, and respiratory problems. These health issues increase stress, increasing your risk for obesity and heart disease.
What’s more, muscle stiffness caused due to prolonged hours while driving may lead to long-term effects, thereby affecting mobility during old age. This makes it necessary to maintain a minimum level of fitness so that it does not waste away over time. Looking up “massage near me” and finding a spa to go to occasionally could also be a good decision. This helps you address any deep muscle concerns that you might have. Taking care of fitness during downtimes or holidays can help you prevent these issues.
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea can be a common problem for people who spend a lot of time on the road. As cars become more fuel efficient, more people opt for traveling longer distances, sometimes alone at night. While driving is a convenient way to get from one place to another, it also increases the odds of developing sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea is characterized by involuntary and recurring breathing pauses during sleep. These pauses can last anywhere from a few seconds to minutes, and each pause puts additional stress on the lungs and your cardiovascular system. It can lead to daytime irritability, difficulty concentrating, slow reaction time, lack of energy, and an overall feeling of exhaustion. The repetitive lack of oxygen caused by these breathing disturbances disrupts normal sleep patterns and prevents you from reaching the deep, restorative stages of sleep. Over time, this chronic fatigue and disrupted sleep can negatively impact your quality of life. Seeking effective treatments from a sleep apnea dentist boulder co (or wherever you stay) can greatly reduce sleep apnea symptoms and their effects, improving your sleep quality, daytime function, and overall health.
Heart disease
Did you know that driving too much puts you at risk for heart disease? It’s true. Driving too much means you sit too much. And sitting too much means your heart doesn’t move blood around as well as it should. That, in turn, leads to blood clots, high cholesterol and high triglycerides, and obesity.
Too much time spent behind the wheel can increase your risk of getting an artery blockage, also known as a heart attack. And if your heart is compromised, even a safe grocery store trip could become a heart-stopping experience. Therefore, you should consult a cardiologist every now, have tests done, and get an assessment of what your heart health looks like.
You should also consider having your chest scanned to detect any potential dangers. If you’re not sure where you should start, consider searching for “radiology near me in Wayne“, if that’s where you’re at. Once the scan is complete, the doctor you consult could read the results and better assess your cardiovascular health. Remember, you ought to follow up with a medical professional so that you rule out the risk of suffering from a heart attack while on the road.
Mental Health Problems
Ever find yourself totally stressed out and anxious after driving for too long? If so, you’re not alone. More and more Americans are making the dangerous decision to drive more than 15 hours or less per week, which is extremely dangerous. This can lead to mental health disorders like depression, anxiety, and drug addiction.
Driving too much can lead to mental health conditions. Social isolation, long commutes, and lack of exercise all contribute to an unhappy driver. Repetitive motion, like stress and tension and the middle of long trips, can cause carpal tunnel syndrome.
Many people don’t realize that driving too much can lead to mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and Alzheimer’s. When driving a lot, you are putting a lot of stress on your body. It can cause the blood vessels to tighten, which makes you more sensitive to pain, leading to migraine-type headaches.
