Who Else Needs to Stay Awake?

Just as I was getting ready to finalize this article something on the news gave me pause to stop. It was the story about the two airline pilots who fell asleep on a flight from Baltimore to Denver. Talk about scary! Seems pilots can be subject to 16 hr shifts-enough to tax anyone's system. The NASA study and report that officials don't want to release is full of similar stories. Millions and millions of Americans are having serious problems with sleep disorders that prevent them from getting a good night's sleep. It is estimated that over 18 million Americans have sleep apnea. Aside from the associated serious health problems it represents a serious safety issue for a wide variety of workers.A few weeks back 'Good Morning America' did a story on drivers who fall asleep at the wheel. A study they quoted showed 37% nationwide have fallen asleep at the wheel of their vehicle. The study also showed 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths in one year from those crashes involving drivers asleep at the wheel. The story showed a woman driving her car while asleep literally for miles-that was scary just to watch.Have you ever fallen asleep at the wheel while driving your car? Have you ever seen an 18 wheeler slowly drift into your lane threatening to cut you off only to have the truck lurch back to the left suddenly?If you are a shift worker or security guard working the graveyard shift, have you ever dosed off?If you are a nanny or babysitter have you ever fallen asleep on the job thus putting the baby's life in jeopardy?Are you a student cramming for finals and the caffeine just isn't enough to keep you going?Do you have sleep apnea like 18 million Americans (most of whom don't even know it) and can't stay awake during the day?Many have believed there was a relationship between glucose intolerance, insulin resistance, sleep apnea and diabetes. Now a research study at the Whittier Institute for Diabetes in California shows that one of three diabetics have sleep apnea.What does it all mean? A study showed that people with sleep apnea were seven times more likely to have multiple car accidents. It also showed that accidents on the job due to inattention/drowsiness are on the rise.Drugs, legal and illegal, and a host of sleeping disorders are turning the streets into a nightmare for drivers falling asleep at the wheel all across the country. There are a variety of devices that can keep drivers and pilots awake if they are suspect. The nap zapper is one example. You attach it to your ear. When it detects a nodding motion of your head as though you are dozing off an alarm goes off waking you and the occupants of the vehicle.Not only can the nap zapper save lives it may help you keep your job. Check the links below for more info.Jack Krohn is the #1 author of Home Security Articles in the country. He owns SECURITY SOLUTIONS a one stop resource that provides solutions and answers for all your self defense and home security problems.