Youve been struggling all day to stay focused.
By the evening, your partner catches you nodding off while watching your show together.
Does this happen often?
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You may be experiencing microsleep episodes.
What Is Microsleep?
You might feel drowsy.
Your eyes can feel heavy, and eventually, youcannot stay awakefor that moment.
Therefore, its important to understand how microsleep impacts oursleep healthand safety.
One of the more serious impacts of microsleep is related to accidents that occur when driving.
Its been shown that those with shift work sleep disorders are at the greatest risk of a traffic crash.
cutting something with a sharp knife), can be dangerous.
This is particularly unsafe if there is the possibility of harm to yourself or others.
If someone experiences a brief lapse of inattention in a safer environment (e.g.
sitting at a computer), microsleep is less likely to have significant consequences.
Dr. Kogan explained that as we age, we tend to experience lighter sleep and less efficient sleep.
Sleep deprivation is the main cause of microsleep.
The brains sleep-wake system (circadian rhythm) can be affected by stress hormones like cortisol.
What Does Microsleep Look and Feel Like?
Dr. Kogan says that microsleep looks and feels like small changes in behavior or processing.
Sometimes people will be aware of these things; other times, it may be more subtle.
Sleep deprivation is the leading cause of microsleep episodes and can be managed with healthy sleep hygiene.
Therefore, its helpful to experiment with the best sleep conditions for you.
2013;30(9):11871196.
