Danger of Microsleep While Driving! Here are 4 Tips to Overcome It

One of the impacts of sleep deprivation is feeling tired and drowsy while engaging in activities. This happens because the brain feels fatigued but continues to hold on to keep us awake.

As a result, you may experience microsleep or suddenly fall asleep for a short period. Microsleep is a light sleep that occurs only for five to ten seconds. Do you often feel drowsy while driving? Be careful, you might be experiencing microsleep.

What are the dangers of microsleep while driving?

Microsleep often occurs when you are engaged in monotonous tasks such as driving or staring at a screen for long periods. A person experiencing microsleep is unaware that they are falling asleep or about to enter a sleep state, and this condition can also occur with eyes open and a blank stare.

For example, when a driver is speeding at 100 km/h and suddenly experiences microsleep for about 4 seconds. As a result, the vehicle they are driving may suddenly move out of control for 200 meters, and of course, this situation can trigger a fatal accident.

Factors that put you at risk of experiencing microsleep

Not all feelings of drowsiness lead to microsleep. However, there are several factors that can increase your risk of experiencing microsleep. Here are the discussions:

1. Sleep Disorders

Decreased brain performance during the day can be caused by disturbances in the quantity and quality of sleep time such as insomnia and sleep apnea.

2. Sleep Debt

Usually, getting less than 6 hours of sleep at night causes you to have sleep debt, and this can accumulate before you actually get enough sleep. A significant amount of sleep debt will increase the risk of experiencing microsleep at any time.

3. Night Shift Work

Not only does it reduce sleep time, but shift work patterns also trigger shifts in sleep time. Microsleep is very likely to occur during the transition period of sleep time. Be careful if your work pattern is like this.

Things to do to overcome microsleep

Here are some things to do to overcome microsleep, especially when you are driving:

1. Microsleeps can be avoided by fulfilling the need for 7-9 hours of sleep; be cautious if you only sleep less than 6 hours at night. It's better not to drive in such conditions.
2. When feeling tired or drowsy, stop immediately and take some time to nap; if you are driving long distances, take breaks every 1-2 hours.
3. Consume coffee before driving, but allow some time in between. Generally, coffee takes effect 30 minutes after consumption. Alternatively, you can also consume energy drinks to stay awake while driving.
4. Engage in activities that keep you awake, such as chatting while driving or listening to fast-paced music.

So, for those of you who often work late into the night, be careful. Don't force yourself to drive if you're feeling drowsy. It's better to take public transportation, or if you really have to drive, you can try the tips above.

Read also: 5 Songs That Are Perfect to Accompany You When Stuck in Traffic So You Don't Get Drowsy!