Road crashes happen every day. They may stem due to various reasons, including microsleep. That said, microsleep while driving is gravely dangerous as it does not only endanger the driver but other roads.
What is microsleep?
Microsleep refers to periods of sleep that last between 1 and 30 seconds. People who experience these episodes may doze off without realizing it despite trying to stay awake.
To your knowledge, microsleep does not mean you will sleep with closed eyes.
It is possible to doze off while the eyes are wide open. It is a dangerous situation that can lead to potential injury or even death.
What causes microsleep?
In general, microsleep is caused by a lack of sleep which causes ultimate sleepiness. Meanwhile, such boring driving can also lead to microsleep on the road.
What is the symptom of microsleep?
It is difficult to recognise the symptoms of microsleep as it may happen out of a sudden. An individual may doze off at any time. However, there are several symptoms that you can identify:
- A long blank stare
- Experiencing sudden body jerks
- Unable to remember the last one or two minutes
- Frequent yawning
- Slow blinking
Ways to avoid microsleep while driving
Microsleep while driving is gravely dangerous. The following as several tips that you can do to avoid micro sleeping when driving on the road.
Get a deep and enough sleep
Make sure to get enough sleep (at least 6 to 8 hours) before driving a long-distance journey. Avoid doing activities that can drain your energy a day before travelling.
For example, hanging out or watching movies.
You are also advised to refrain from taking caffeinated or alcoholic drinks. These drinks can cause sleepiness and causing insomnia at night time.
Don’t consume medications that can cause sleepiness
Please avoid taking medication that can make you feel asleep before driving. If you must consume it, make sure you do not drive alone.
We recommend bringing a friend who can drive so you can take turns driving.
Don’t drive alone
Bring a friend to accompany you. That way, you will feel less bored and sleepy throughout the long-distance travel.
Listen to music
If you do not have a friend on board, you can count on the radio to keep you entertained and wide awake.
However, do not blast the radio too loud as it can disturb your driving focus.
Rest at R&R
Do not force yourself to keep driving if you start feeling sleepy. In turn, stop by at any rest area or petrol station to rest for a while.
Take a quick catnap to refresh yourself before continuing your travel. However, please avoid sleeping in your car with the engine running can be potentially fatal. You could be inhaling carbon monoxide poisoning and may die from it without ever experiencing symptoms.
Drink coffee
Caffeinated drinks like coffee can help you get energy and stay awake when driving. However, avoid taking it excessively because it may cause you to feel nausea and dizziness.
Roll down car window
You may roll down the car window for a while to get fresh air when driving.
Avoid microsleep while driving
Please avoid yourself dozing off while driving. Follow these tips to freshen yourself throughout the long journey. Avoid microsleep by getting enough sleep before you drive on the road.
Let us remind you that your life is valuable. Please practice a safe drive for yourself and your loved ones.
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