Driving after less than 5 hours of sleep doubles the risk of an accident, study finds published in Nature and Science of Sleep.
Getting behind the wheel sleepy is similar to driving while intoxicated, scientists warn. According to statistics, about 20% of accidents are caused by fatigue.
The researchers analyzed 61 studies across four online databases of previous hours of sleep and indicators of driving performance (such as lane departures). The study claims that sleeping less than 4-5 hours a night doubles the risk of getting into an accident.
Moreover, insufficient sleep significantly reduces concentration, as when driving with alcohol in the blood. And even if you slept 6-7 hours, the probability of an accident is still high, although less. Experts recommend a normal 8-hour sleep duration.
After receiving the results of the study in Australia, they plan to introduce fines for driving while in a state of fatigue. Now, according to Science Alert, experts are figuring out how to measure the level of fatigue in drivers due to lack of sleep.
A similar study was conducted in the US in 2016. The Road Safety Foundation, having studied the data of accidents for 2005-2007, found that out of 7234 sleepy drivers, 4571 people got into an accident. As a result, the foundation stated that sleep less than 5 hours negatively affects driving skills.
More Stories
Why cats don't go to your hands and don't like to be petted
When does old age begin? The answer to this question changes with age.
Association of Professional Nutritionists to be created in Greece