Have you ever lost focus or felt your eyelids droop when doing something mundane or repetitive like driving, staring at a computer or working on a machine?

You may look like you’re awake, but certain parts of your brain have switched off for a few seconds and you’re involuntarily napping without realising it.

This phenomenon is known as "tiny sleeps" or microsleeping, which can be particularly dangerous while driving on the highway and operating heavy machinery.

If you’re unfamiliar with this concept, we’ll explain to you below what microsleeping is and how you can prevent this from happening.

  

What is microsleep?

As the name suggests, microsleep refers to those moments when you suddenly, and involuntarily, fall asleep. Since it happens so fast, people who experience it may not even realise that they have fallen asleep.

When a period of microsleep occurs, your brain does not process information as usual and some parts of it may shut down. Even though you may keep your eyes open, your brain waves are significantly slowed down when you're having an episode.

This can happen at any time during the day and not just at night, which can lead to very dangerous situations that can cause serious injuries or even death.

  

What causes microsleep while driving?

Microsleep happens mainly because of sleep deprivation. Sleep pressure builds up during the day as you burn energy performing various activities. At night, you recharge your energy by falling asleep.

However, if you have adequate rest the night before, you should still have some energy. People who suffer from sleep disorders like insomnia, narcolepsy or sleep apnea are also more likely to experience microsleeps.

In addition, if you have consumed medicine that causes drowsiness, this can increase the risk of microsleeping. Microsleeping episodes can also be triggered by repetitive activities such as driving long distances on straight roads.

  

What are the symptoms of microsleep?

Since microsleep happens suddenly, you may not be able to know when it happens.

There are, however, some warning signs you can watch out for:

• Droopy eyelids or inability to keep your eyes open
• Yawning frequently
• Nodding off or sudden head nod
• Zoning out or unable to remember driving the last few minutes
• Blank stare
• Sudden body jerks
• Missing road directions especially if using a GPS
• Unable to keep your vehicle from slowly drifting into other lanes of traffic

  

How long does an episode of microsleeping last?

An episode of microsleep can last for around 15 seconds or less. This also applies when you’re driving, which is very dangerous for yourself and others on the road.

In fact, you may be unaware that you have experienced microsleep and may believe that your mind has just wandered off as the brain can quickly switch between being awake and asleep.

  

How does microsleeping cause accidents?

It may not be dangerous to fall asleep accidentally while watching television, but doing sensitive work or operating heavy machinery can have serious consequences.

In a report, Bukit Aman Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department director Datuk Mat Kasim Karim said that over 20% of road accidents in Malaysia are caused by drowsiness and sleeping at the wheel.

Meanwhile, the Royal Malaysia Police reported that between 2011 and 2021, 1,305 fatalities on the road were caused by drivers falling asleep while driving.

Driving while drowsy or experiencing microsleep means you are not paying attention to the road. Due to your slower reaction times and reduced situational awareness, your vehicle may drift into other lanes of traffic or onto the shoulder of the road, increasing your risk of accidents.

Furthermore, if you drive at a high speed, you are more likely to crash severely with devastating consequences during an episode of microsleep.

  

How to avoid microsleep while driving?

Microsleeping and its consequences can be avoided easily so you can make it safely to your destination especially if you’re driving long distances.

If you are feeling drowsy while driving, catch yourself yawning frequently or cannot remember the last few minutes, act quickly before anything bad happens.

1. Get a good night’s rest

Before going on a road trip, ensure adequate rest the night before. Adults must get at least 7 to 9 hours of sleep every night. You should also avoid caffeine in the late afternoon or evening, as this can keep you awake during the night and disrupt your sleep.

2. Take a power nap

In Malaysia, we have many R&R stops along major highways which allow travellers to stop, refresh and fuel up before continuing their journeys. Since sleep is the best remedy to counter microsleep, it is advisable to pull over at an R&R for a power nap when feeling drowsy.

Don’t force yourself to continue driving if you’re feeling sleepy. You can set an alarm on your phone and inform any friends or family of your whereabouts and intentions before taking a nap so they can call you if your alarm fails.

Most importantly, remember to wind down your car windows for the air to circulate and never sleep with the car engine running as you could get carbon monoxide poisoning which can be fatal.

3. Grab a cup of coffee

Caffeinated drinks such as coffee or energy drinks can boost your energy and keep you awake. Stopping to grab a drink also gives you a chance to stretch your legs and change your routine, enabling your brain to continue being alert.

4. Take turns driving

If possible, share the driving with another fellow passenger so you can take turns resting when feeling sleepy. Additionally, driving with others keeps you alert while engaging in conversation and reduces boredom.

5. Avoid taking medications that cause drowsiness

If you’re feeling unwell and need to take medication, postpone your trip or get someone else to drive while you recover from the effects of the medicine.

6. Do some light exercise

Get your heart rate up and blood flowing by stopping at an R&R or petrol station for light exercise. Walking around the area or doing a few jumping jacks can help wake you up if you're sleepy.

  

Conclusion

Driving on the road while feeling sleepy is very dangerous and can lead to fatal accidents if you’re not careful. While the right car insurance may protect you and others on the road, it is better to drive safely at all times to avoid accidents from happening.

By following the tips above, you can avoid microsleep and ensure a safe journey to your destination.

  

---

Disclaimer: This blog post is strictly for informational purposes, and should not be taken as advice of any kind. Kurnia disclaims all responsibility for any losses resulting from reliance on the information contained in this article.