Microsleep

MICROSLEEP

Microsleep is a fleeting, uncontrollable, brief episode of sleep which can last anywhere from a single fraction of a second up to 10 full seconds. These episodes of microsleep occur most frequently when a sleepy person is trying to fight sleep and remain awake. They may occur while driving and increase the risk of a serious car accident.

source: Google image

Microsleep often occurs more often when an individual is lack of sleep. Nighttime is when a vast majority of microsleep incidents happen, in terms of driving. Drivers driving at night often become tired. However, they often have places to get to or deadlines to meet, and thus force themselves to push on.                                          

 

source Google image

While it can be harmless if it occurs on your couch while you’re trying to stay awake for a movie, instances of microsleep can also be extremely dangerous. If it occurs at the wrong time, when you’re driving, for instance, microsleep can lead to accidents involving cars or heavy machinery as well as other dangerous situations. Falling asleep behind the wheel, even briefly, is a gravely dangerous situation that can lead the potential injury or even death of you and others on the road 

source: Google image

Luckily, there are many ways to improve sleep efficiency. One great way to improve sleep efficiency is to eliminate all potential distractions when sleeping. There should be no television on and no music playing. If you are accustomed to having the television or music on, you should work to break those habits and go to sleep in a quiet, dark, and peaceful atmosphere. All lights should be off, especially flashing, blinking, or especially bright lights. Cell phones should not be looked at in bed, as the lights of the screen can work the stimulate the brain and keep it awake.

source: Google image

So make sure you guys stay safe and get enough sleep and rest. Thank you!