Recently, many accidents have claimed people’s lives due to the negligence of the motorists while driving vehicle. Some drivers complain of drowsiness and do not realize they have experienced microsleep. Data reveals that around 35% of drivers can get into accidents due to microsleep. In fact, when the frequency of microsleep exceeds 50% of a 4-minute period, the probability of an accident rises to close to 100%.
Quoted from the Ask the Expert talk show organized by the Universitas Indonesia Hospital (RSUI) with the theme “Knowing Microsleep and its Dangers”, microsleep is a short sleep period of less than thirty seconds. Microsleep occurs because only a small part of a person’s brain is able to receive stimulation.
A doctor from Universitas Indonesia Hospitas, Dr. Winnugroho Wiratman, Sp.S., Ph.D., revealed that two things trigger microsleep. They are fatigue and lack of sleep. In addition, microsleep is also more susceptible to certain groups. “Every individual has the opportunity to experience microsleep. However, there are certain groups that are more prone to it,” said Dr. Winnugroho. These groups were people with poor sleep quality, people with dementia, and people with head injuries. The elderly are also prone to microsleep.
There are signs and symptoms of microsleep. Signs of microsleep include blank stares, unconscious head down, body jerks, and loss of memory of activities 1-2 minutes ago. Meanwhile, symptoms of microsleep include frequent yawning, memory loss, frequent blinking, and difficulty opening your eyes. Someone who experiences these signs and symptoms is advised to postpone activity and take a short nap for 15-20 minutes.
To avoid microsleep while driving, one should have someone to talk to, consume caffeinated beverages, and listen to uplifting and feel-good music. If these tips and tricks do not work, one is advised to go to a healthcare facility for therapy. However, Dr. Winnugroho emphasized that microsleep is not a disease. “Rest assured, microsleep is not a disease. So, there’s no need to worry and rush to the pharmacy to buy medicine. We should first find out the cause,” he explains.
Another way to avoid microsleep is to establish a regular sleep pattern. Avoid bedtime communication for a quality night’s sleep. The neurologist says that about three hours before going to bed at night, a person can be more prone to microsleep. Therefore, long-distance drivers are advised to rest at rest areas. “If someone is used to going to bed at 8pm, they should arrive at the location 3 hours before that time. This is so that they can rest,” he says.
Sleep quality is the main thing that needs to be considered so that a person can carry out activities properly. If you feel drowsy and tired, drivers should take a break without forcing themselves to continue the journey. The main thing in riding is not fast or slow, but the safety of the rider. If one doesn’t drive carefully, one not only threatens his or her life, but also endangers others. Therefore, Dr. Winnugroho invites every individual to change bad habits when driving for the sake of mutual safety.
