What is microsleep? It sounds like a good thing. The truth is, it’s not, and it’s dangerous. Microsleep is a brief and uncontrollable sleep episode that can last for a split second or up to 10 seconds. Microsleep occurs when an exhausted person is fighting to stay awake. Almost everyone has felt the overwhelmingly tired sensation, it takes over your body and you start to nod off. Then a split second later, you wake up. That’s microsleep.
Read on for more information:
The Dangers of Microsleep
Microsleep itself isn’t what is dangerous. It’s the environment around you. A microsleep episode obviously isn’t dangerous if you’re laying in bed attempting to keep your eyes peeled for a Netflix show. If it occurs at a time where you’re driving or operating any type of machinery, an accident could be detrimental.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, about 1 in 25 adults admitted to having fallen asleep behind the wheel within the past 30 days. Resulting in 72,00 crashes, 44,00 injuries, and 800 deaths in 2013. Driving drowsy is dangerous and should be avoided at all costs.
Does Microsleep Classify as Sleep?
Considering how short microsleep bursts are, is it really considered sleep? There are two types of sleep, Non-rapid eye movement sleep, and rapid eye movement sleep. Also known as Non-REM and REM sleep. Microsleep does not fall into either category because it is so brief and fleeting that you have no chance to enter Non-REM or REM sleep. Hence, microsleep is technically not really sleeping.
Sleep Deprivation
The main cause of microsleep is sleep deprivation. When an individual pushes themselves too far, whether it be attending social events or working too many hours, they begin to get drowsy. Since they have places to be, they force themselves to keep going. Thus, leading to sleep deprivation and possibly an accident. Drivers who are drowsy are most often falling asleep at the wheel during the night time when they should be sleeping instead.
Microsleep Prevention
The answer here is quite simple. If you don’t want to fall victim to microsleep, then sleep better! We know, sometimes there are external factors that you just can’t control. If you have trouble sleeping or struggle with a sleep disorder, consider purchasing an organic mattress, shutting technology down earlier, and munching on some bedtime snacks. The most efficient way to prevent microsleep is to prevent sleep deprivation. Make sleep a priority and you’ll notice a difference in no time.
If you’re finding yourself tired during the day, you may be sleep deprived. If sleep isn’t a top priority in your life, it should be. There are many steps you can take to increase the quality of your sleep. The first being, purchasing a new mattress and getting your very own sleeping coach. Efficient sleep is the answer to many of your problems, give us a call today and get the best sleep of your life tonight. (619) 260-8000
More from the Gentle Home Blog
Can Massage Help You to Sleep Better?
Massage therapy can help you feel more relaxed and reduce your stress levels so they’re not such an influence on your day-to-day life.
The Best and Worst Sleeping Positions
Sleep is a crucial part of all of our lives – everyone needs sleep to survive. Sometimes, however, we find ourselves waking up in all sorts of strange positions - curled up in a ball, twisted, or straight as a log. But, which positions are good and which ones are bad?...
5 Most Common Sleep Disorders
Are you constantly feeling tired or irritable during the day even though you make sure to set your bedtime early each and every night? Well, you may be one of 50-70 million U.S. adults suffering from one of the many sleep disorders. It’s important to get a good...
10 Things to Do in San Diego with Kids This Summer
Summertime in San Diego is unlike any other. The sun is shining, the kids are happy and you’re loving the laidback California lifestyle. Whether you live here full-time or are just visiting, there are plenty of fun things to do in San Diego. At Mattress World, we...
Do I Need a Mattress Topper?
When it comes to mattresses, everyone is different. Some prefer a firm mattress, others love a soft, plush mattress, and some people love the perfect medium. Whatever level of firmness you desire, a mattress topper can help you accomplish the perfect sleep...
What is a Sleep Specialist?
Thirty-five percent of Americans report their sleep quality as “poor” or “fair”. In fact, those who are sacrificing their sleep quality, often are those who are experiencing health problems. That being said, many people wonder what doctor to see for sleep problems....
4 Ways to Treat Hypersomnia
Chances are you’ve heard on insomnia, but what about hypersomnia? Hypersomnia, more commonly known as extreme and excess daytime sleepiness or prolonged nighttime sleep, has many treatments. However, depending on the cause of a specific person’s hypersomnia, treatment...
5 Trending Decor Tips: Bedroom Essentials
Often our bedrooms are our sanctuary. It’s the place we go for relaxation, intimacy, and of course, sleep. In fact, the colors and flow of our bedroom’s have an effect on the mind. This is known as color psychology. When designing your bedroom, keep in mind current...
4 Sleeping Myths You Didn’t Know About
Sleep, it’s said to be one of the most beneficial and crucial aspects of human nature. Sleep is one of the most powerful tools at your disposal, use it efficiently and copiously. According to the Sleep Association, the average adult needs 7 to 9 hours of sleep per...
The Ultimate Guide to the Best Comforters
Inside your bedroom sanctuary is the most magical inanimate object ever, your bed. Your bed, coupled with a plush, soft, and luxurious comforter, is probably the best end to your day. With so many different bedding options on the market, it’s easy to get overwhelmed...
Summer Food & Drink Festivals in San Diego 2018
Summer in San Diego is like living in a dream. If you’re a local or if you’re visiting The City by the Bay, we’ve got news for you. There is an abundance of summer food and drink festivals taking place in San Diego this year, and we have all of the details. Whether...
5 Tips For Designing the Perfect Sleep Environment
After a long day at work, we all want to walk into a crisp, warm, and soothing bedroom. Believe it or not, the average person sleeps for one-third of their life. If we’re going to spend so much of our lives sleeping, we might as well make the most out of it. Luckily,...
