Motor accidents more with sleep deprivation


Tuesday 9th June 2009: HCFI: Sleep deprivation makes it difficult to
maintain stable performance over time, as measured by response
latency, response variability, speed, accuracy, hand-eye coordination,
decision-making, and memory.

Acute sleep deprivation refers to sleep missed in a 24-hour period,
whereas cumulative sleep deprivation is sleep lost over a number of
days.

Acute and cumulative sleep deprivation are often work-related, said Dr
KK Aggarwal President Heart Care Foundation of India and Director
IMAAKN Sinha Institute.


Work-related situations that can result in sleep deprivation include
compressed work time to obtain more consecutive time off, early start
times, long work days, night shifts, extended shifts, shift rotation,
consecutive work periods, unpredictable work schedules, or unstable
work schedules.

Most research has focused on the impact of sleep deprivation on the
incidence of motor vehicle crashes.  Researches as shown that

1.      Interns who drove after an extended work shift (>24
consecutive hours) were more likely to be involved in a motor vehicle
crash or a near-miss incident than interns who drove after a normal
work shift.

2. Interns who worked five or more extended shifts in one month
were more likely to fall asleep while driving  or while stopped in
traffic than interns who had not worked any extended shifts.

3. Seep-related crashes are more likely among drivers who have
multiple jobs, work night shifts, have unusual work schedules, average
fewer hours of sleep per night, report poorer quality sleep, or drive
more often late at night.

4. Individuals frequently underestimate the degree of impairment
caused by cumulative sleep deprivation.

5. The impact of sleep deprivation on driving performance is exacerbated by alcohol consumption, even at low levels.