Lansing, MI –This year’s National Sleep Awareness Week, March 31 - April 6, aims to encourage people to “Let Sleep Work For You!” Drowsy and fatigued driving is the primary cause of 100,000 crashes per year, which nationally result in 71,000 injuries and 1,500 deaths, as reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). These statistics show that there are many drivers who are operating motor vehicles while being too drowsy to drive safely.

        The Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning has joined with the National Sleep Foundation as a cooperative co-sponsor to assist in promoting events and activities throughout Michigan that are geared toward building awareness of the importance of successful sleep. National Sleep Awareness Week is a way to inform people about sleeping successfully in order to improve the quality of their lives and their driving.

        Persons who receive fewer than six hours of sleep per night, are awake for 20 hours or longer, or work more than one job and/or night shifts are prime candidates for unsuccessful sleep patterns. This lack of sleep often results in drowsy drivers. The only cure for drowsy driving is to get a sufficient amount of sleep prior to driving. The general rule is one hour of sleep for every two hours awake. Other preventive measures are to avoid driving during late night hours, share the driving when taking long trips, stop and take a nap in a safe place and avoid alcohol and medications prior to driving.

        The National Sleep Foundation also has several community sleep awareness partners throughout Michigan. These are healthcare providers who promote public understanding of sleep and sleep disorders through education, research and advocacy. Some of Michigan’s community sleep awareness partners for this year’s Sleep Awareness Week are:

Ingham Regional Center for Sleep & Alertness
    • 2727 S. Pennsylvania Ave, Lansing MI, 48910
    • Phone: (517) 377-8525

Mid Michigan Medical Center – Midland
    • March 31st – April 6th
    • 4005 Orchard Dr
      Display on sleep disorders set up in the medical center during the sleep awareness week
      For more information call (989) 839-3894

Northern Michigan Hospital Sleep Center (Petoskey, MI)
    • March 27, 2003
    • North Central Michigan College Library Conference Room
      1080 Hager Drive
      Community awareness lecture on sleep disorders. Door prizes, food and refreshments will be provided.
      For more information call (231) 487-5337

St. Mary’s Mercy Medical Center
    • 260 Jefferson Ave SE, Grand Rapids MI, 49503
    • Phone: (616) 752-6330

For more information on National Sleep Awareness Week or to find a Community Sleep Awareness Partner, visit the National Sleep Foundation’s website at www.sleepfoundation.org.
 

Read more press releases from the Michigan State Police.