is there a physical illness that would cause a person to fall asleep while driving a car ?

Question

they just seenm to dose off while on freeways. should they seek medical attenion and of coures not drive?

Answer 1

Narcolepsy possibly...

The main characteristic of narcolepsy is overwhelming excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), even after adequate nighttime sleep. A person with narcolepsy is likely to become drowsy or to fall asleep, often at inappropriate times and places. Daytime naps may occur with or without warning and may be irresistible

Answer 2

Narcolepsy is the first that I think of. These people just fall asleep at the drop of a hat. They generally know about this and have had their licence pulled at diagnosis.
Sleep apnea is another. These people wake up tired and are able to also fall asleep anywhere. This is a harder one to diagnose. A fellow I know had the diagnosis made after he fell asleep at the wheel and crashed a company truck.

Diabetes out of control or hypoglycemia are others. In these cases, people usually have some warning.

Long work days can do it too. I used to keep some insane schedules and did a LOT of driving. It is easy to become "hypnotised" by the constant sound of the motor and to fall asleep on the road. People who do a lot of long distance driving can tell you stories of falling asleep at the wheel. This is not unheard of with long haul truck and bus drivers. One incident I recall had a bus kissing a rock cut and bursting into flames. The bus was full and several people were killed.

Answer 3

I agree that it could be narcolepsy but that is very rare. It could also be sleep apnea or MS. The person should see a neurologist who will probably have the patient undergo a sleep study among other things all painless. On the other hand, is the person sleep deprived? I once knew someone that would fall asleep during a conversation but she had just come off a 3 day binge with cocaine and hadn't slept and once she stopped using cocaine all she could do was dose off even while standing. There are alot of factors to consider.

Answer 4

yes this is called narcolepsy, they should seek immediate attention from a doctor as this is a very dangerous illness but can be treated

Answer 5

narcolepsy A disorder characterized by sudden and uncontrollable, though often brief, attacks of deep sleep, sometimes accompanied by paralysis and hallucinations.

Answer 6

i think your talking about narcolepsy and they are not suppose to have licenses just like people who have seizures cant have a license.

Answer 7

I am not sure of the spelling...but it sounds like "narcolepsy"

Answer 8

YES. THE DISORDER IS CALLED NARCOLEPSY. I BELIEVE IT TO BE TREATABLE AND DRIVING SHOULD BE AVOIDED. VICTIMS CAN FALL INTO DEEP SLEEP WHILE EATING,STANDING...ETC , SO PLEASE DON'T DRIVE. SEE A DOC..

Answer 9

yes there is but i can't remember what its called. they should bring it up at their next doctors visit

Answer 10

yes . its called stress . another could be drunkeness