Determinants of sleepiness in automobile drivers

Governmental agencies do not systematically investigate the presence of daytime sleepiness as a determinant of driving accidents. We surveyed automobile drivers traveling on summer vacations and driving long distances on a European highway. We evaluated their subjective daytime sleepiness while driving and any sleep deprivation just prior to departure. Five-hundred sixty-seven automobile drivers (mean age 37.7 +/- 11 years) were interviewed at a roadside rest-stop. Questions covered the sleep/wake schedule during the year, sleep habits, and the presence of symptoms frequently associated with sleep-disordered breathing. Sleep behavior just prior to departure was compared to the usual sleep schedule during the year. Fifty percent of the responders had a sleep restriction just prior to departure (mean -203 minutes) compared to usual total sleep time during the year; 10% had no nocturnal sleep prior to departure. Drivers younger than 30 years were significantly more acutely sleep deprived than other drivers. Economic migrants (subjects with low economic status) also experienced significant acute sleep restriction.