Avoid Eid Travel Accidents: How to Stay Alert and Prevent Microsleep

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Microsleep is believed to be one of the factors behind frequent traffic accidents, including those that occur during homecoming trips for Eid al-Fitr.

This condition often arises when drivers experience extreme fatigue, especially due to the long and congested journey during the holiday season.

Unfortunately, many drivers are unaware of this phenomenon, as these brief episodes of sleep, lasting less than 30 seconds, are often overlooked and considered insignificant.

How microsleep happens

According to Winnugroho Wiratman, a researcher from the University of Indonesia Hospital, the phenomenon where a person suddenly falls asleep without realizing it, even while performing activities such as driving, happens because one part of the brain remains active and continues receiving stimulation, while another part temporarily shuts down and falls asleep.

This condition, known as microsleep, is mainly caused by fatigue and sleep deprivation or poor sleep quality. As a result, it is more commonly experienced by individuals with sleep disorders, the elderly, dementia patients, and those who have suffered from head injuries.

However, it's not impossible for it to occur in young people. During this period, individuals may fall asleep without realizing it, even when doing important activities such as driving or working.

This condition can occur anywhere and anytime, including while watching TV or reading a book, as well as when driving.

Signs of microsleep and how to prevent it

According to Healthline, some signs of microsleep, such as empty stares, feeling a time lapse, and repeated yawning, can be a warning sign that the body needs rest.

However, the need to continue driving and traveling long distances during the homecoming trip sometimes forces some people to keep driving. 

To ensure a safe Eid al-Fitr homecoming trip, the following tips can help prevent microsleep:

1. Make sure to have enough sleep, at least 7-8 hours before departure, so the body stays fresh and focused while driving.

2. Every two hours, take a brief break at a rest area to stretch the body and rest for 15-20 minutes.

3. Talk to passengers to help stay awake and reduce drowsiness.

4. Drinking coffee or tea containing caffeine can help increase alertness while driving. However, make sure to consume them in moderate amounts.

5. Listen to music with a fast and enjoyable rhythm to help stay focused and awake.

6. Avoid heavy or too many carbohydrate foods before driving, as they can cause drowsiness.

7. Focus on the road and avoid distractions to not easily lose concentration, including using a cellphone while driving.

Even though the above tips can be done, always pay attention to your body condition. If you feel very sleepy and tired, it's best to temporarily stop the journey and rest, as accidents during the Eid homecoming trip due to microsleep can have fatal consequences.

Kakak Indra Purnama contributed to the writing of this article.

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