Sleep expert warns that disrupted routines during Ramadan increase microsleep risk for drivers, a major factor in one in five Malaysian road crashes
PETALING JAYA: An expert has urged Malaysians to pay closer attention to their food intake and sleep cycles, saying disruptions to these routines may increase the risk of microsleep among motorists.
With World Sleep Day falling on March 13 this year during Ramadan, Malaysia Sleep Apnea Association president Prof Dr Louis Adaikalam said the overlapping of the global awareness day with the fasting month provides a timely opportunity to highlight the dangers of fatigue on the road.
He said this is particularly important as many Malaysians regularly travel long distances between their hometowns and city centres during the Aidilfitri celebration.
“World Sleep Day this year comes at the right time because it falls during Ramadan, when eating patterns and sleeping schedules change.
“The possibility of individuals experiencing fatigue or microsleep episodes is higher during the fasting month because of these lifestyle adjustments,” Louis told theSun.
Microsleep refers to a brief, involuntary episode of sleep that could last from a fraction of a second to several seconds.
Although short, it could be extremely dangerous if it occurs while driving.
Louis said fatigue and microsleep have become significant road safety concerns in Malaysia, adding that data from the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (Miros) indicates that fatigue-related factors contribute to a sizeable portion of traffic crashes.
Citing figures reported by Miros, he said almost 20% of crashes are caused by fatigue-related factors.
“In other words, roughly one in every five accidents could be linked to fatigue or microsleep.”
He also said incidents involving microsleep are often underreported because drivers may not realise that they briefly fell asleep behind the wheel.
“This is one of the challenges when discussing microsleep. Individuals often want to rely entirely on data, asking how many cases there are or what percentage is affected.
“But microsleep happens without the driver being aware of it. Many do not realise they have experienced it.”
Louis said fatigue-related risks may also indirectly influence motorist behaviour, which could make it difficult to capture the problem accurately in crash statistics.
“For example, when a driver feels sleepy or fatigued, they may drive faster because they want to reach their destination quickly before they fall asleep.
“So, speeding could sometimes be linked to fatigue, although the statistics would only record it as speeding.”
He added that similarly, fatigue could lead to dangerous driving.
“When you speed, you are more likely to drive in a reckless manner. These are interconnected behaviours that may not appear clearly in the data.
He also said drivers involved in crashes may be reluctant to admit that fatigue or microsleep played a role.
“If someone admits they fell asleep while driving, it could be seen as negligence, which may affect insurance claims. So, many would instead blame mechanical issues or road conditions.
Louis said while insufficient sleep is one of the main contributors to microsleep, it is not the only cause.
“Microsleep is related to sleep, but it is not caused only by lack of sleep.
“Certain medical conditions such as diabetes could also cause fatigue and increase the likelihood of microsleep episodes.”
He said modern lifestyles also contribute to the problem as many individuals sacrifice rest in pursuit of productivity or income.
“In the 21st century, many feel that 24 hours in a day is no longer enough.
“Some may choose to continue working to earn extra income instead of getting adequate rest. But biologically, sleep is not optional. It is essential.”
The Sun Malaysia
