Drive
Driven over the line and don't know how you got there? You might have just had a microsleep.
Published
2 min read
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Published
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In this episode of the Horizons by RAC podcast, we spoke with Dr Nicholas Mabbott, Director of Beyond Midnight Consulting with over 25 years’ experience in sleep and fatigue management.
Driver fatigue is a term often associated with those spending long hours behind the wheel, such as drivers in the freight industry and those undertaking long road trips, whether for leisure or work. But driving a vehicle while impacted by sleep loss is a much wider issue in the community, including over short distances.
The Sleep Health Foundation estimates that more than half of Australian adults are suffering from at least one chronic sleep symptom. And almost half (48%) of all Australian adults report at least two sleep-related problems according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.
It follows that the number of drivers on our roads who are operating a vehicle while affected by sleep loss must also be high.
This episode unpacks the impacts of poor quality and inadequate sleep on driving, and practical steps you can take to prevent driving tired.
00:00 Understanding Driver Fatigue
00:51 The Importance of Quality Sleep
01:02 The Science Behind Sleep Cycles
01:52 The Impact of Poor Sleep on Health
02:44 Strategies for Better Sleep
05:57 The Role of Melatonin and Body Clock
14:15 Driving and Sleep Deprivation
27:35 The Impact of Passengers on Driver Fatigue
29:01 Holiday Driving Risks and Tips
30:07 Planning for Safe Long Drives
36:56 The Role of Technology in Fatigue Management
40:49 The Importance of Sleep Hygiene
51:44 Managing Fatigue During the Holidays
53:42 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
