Traffic jams can be frustrating, but if you find yourself caught in them on a daily basis, they can become more than just annoying. It can cause physical and mental health problems. So dealing with traffic congestion doesn’t just mean being late for appointments or obligations, which causes mental strain. According to experts, the irritation of inching along the road and witnessing minutes pass by with no resolution in sight is more than a small problem, it has a major effect on your health. According to a recent Fortis Hospital research published on May 1, 2024, vehicles waiting in traffic jams or at red lights produce up to 40% more pollution than those that are moving.
Here are some impacts of traffic jams on health
Sleep deprivation
Long travel times are increasing due to traffic, sometimes resulting in sleep loss among employees. As simple as it may sound, those who work far from home get less sleep as a consequence of spending longer hours in traffic. Insufficient sleep has been linked to impulsive behaviour, fatigue, anxiety and lower immunity.
Urinary Tract Infection
Being unable to pee for an extended period of time when trapped in traffic can easily lead to a urinary tract infection. Urine tract infections can sometimes become so serious to cause acute urinary retention. This can also lead to psychotic behaviour in older people.
Can cause physical diseases
India comes in third place on the list with an average Particulate Matter (PM) concentration of 54.4 micrograms per cubic meter, according to a survey released by IQAir. Our problems with breathing are not the only ones caused by air pollution. It has a major role in the growth of lung cancer, asthma and other respiratory illnesses.
Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a dietician before starting any fitness programme or making any changes to your diet.
