If You Feel Drowsy While Driving, Try These Things

Feeling sleepy no matter how much you sleep? Sleepiness is actually a normal thing. Because when we work hard, and our body doesn't get the rest it needs, it manifests as sleepiness. However, if you often feel sleepy while driving a vehicle, it's a bit dangerous. Because that sleepiness is very dangerous for you as well as for other people on the road. In fact, road accidents are primarily caused not by this kind of naturally occurring normal sleepiness, but by sudden micro-sleeps, or short bursts of sleep. (Micro - Sleepiness)

According to research, one in every 4 fatal road accidents worldwide is caused by sleepiness. So, that's why today at MotorGuide, we thought of telling you a few ways to get rid of sleepiness if it comes while driving a vehicle.

How do accidents happen?

Micro-sleep is a very dangerous condition that can occur suddenly at any time of the day, anywhere, for a period ranging from a fraction of a second to a maximum of 30 seconds. The reason for this is that during this short period, our sensory receptors slow down in receiving sensations, and the brain slows down in properly coordinating that information, ultimately leading to a sudden jolt and a return to normal consciousness as if from an unconscious stage. As a result, the driver loses control of the vehicle for a short period, and combined with the sudden return to consciousness (Dizziness) and panic, vehicle accidents can occur.

Causes of sudden sleepiness

Biological impact

One of the main causes of sudden sleepiness is the biological impact on the body. The activity of hormones such as melatonin and serotonin influences this. The hormone melatonin is secreted abundantly during the night, stimulating the onset of sleepiness.

Also, lack of adequate sleep, the use of certain medications, and physical or mental illnesses contribute to this.

Eating habits and dietary patterns

Another reason for sudden sleepiness is eating habits and dietary patterns. According to reports, fatal road accidents are most commonly reported after lunch, specifically between 1 PM and 4 PM. It can be concluded that this effect occurs because drivers are accustomed to consuming large amounts of high-carbohydrate foods, causing the body's processes to prioritize the digestion process during that time.

Also, consuming fruits like pineapple, bananas, and oranges stimulates melatonin production, so such foods should not be consumed while driving a vehicle.

Environmental conditions

Furthermore, environmental factors such as light, sound, temperature, carbon dioxide concentration, and highly volatile organic compounds (Volatile Organic Compounds) present in vehicles can catalyze micro-sleep. Research has specifically revealed that a significant increase in carbon dioxide levels when vehicle temperatures rise and during prolonged travel is a cause of such sleepiness.

Moreover, the use of red lighting inside the vehicle is also not advisable.

Ways to prevent sudden sleepiness

Eat a normal meal

If you intend to drive for a long time, consuming a normal meal is more appropriate. That meal should have a low-calorie value. Especially, consuming fruits like pineapple, bananas, and oranges stimulates melatonin production, so such foods should not be consumed.

Consider the surroundings

Various types of colored light bulbs and decorations, both inside and outside vehicles, have become a very popular feature in Sri Lanka by now. Among these, loud speakers and light bulbs in passenger transport buses have a significant impact on passengers as well as on the driver's efficiency.

Avoid red color

Colors like blue and white inhibit melatonin secretion, but red-related colors provide stimulation for melatonin secretion, causing red colors and red lights to influence the driver's sleepiness. Therefore, using such colors or bulbs is not advisable.

Open the windows

To minimize the effect of carbon dioxide or volatile organic compound accumulation inside vehicles, open the windows when the vehicle is excessively hot and use the air conditioning after it has cooled down slightly. For long journeys, use the air conditioning to draw in fresh air from outside in places with clean air.

Take a short nap

In situations where sudden sleepiness occurs several times while driving a vehicle—that is, eyes suddenly closing, losing focus, head dropping, and then suddenly returning to full consciousness—it is dangerous to continue driving, so immediately take a short nap.

Seek medical advice

If you experience excessive fatigue or are using medication, you can prevent these accidents by consulting a doctor to confirm that there is no impact on sleepiness before you start driving.

Do not do these things

• Watching mobile phones, televisions, etc. before going to sleep
• Using blue electric lights
• Consuming alcohol before driving
• Using illicit drugs
• Using loudspeakers
• Using lights of various colors
• Excessive consumption of betel quid, water, coffee, or tea

So, this is how you prevent sleepiness while driving a vehicle. One thing you should remember is never to drive if you are sleepy. Because it's good for your safety as well as for the safety of other people on the road.