The longest laboratory study of restricted sleep (to 4 hours per day) is 14 consecutive days. In this study, the impairment and fatigue of the subjects was continuing to increase. There was no evidence of a plateau. Until proven otherwise, it must be assumed that we can build up a sleep debt indefinitely.
- William C. Dement, M.D., Ph.D
If we are paying attention, most of us know when we are about to fall asleep. We know because we feel “drowsy.” Most of us associate “drowsiness” with heavy eyelids, difficulty keeping the eyes open, and difficulty concentrating. It is obviously terribly dangerous if we are having difficulty keeping our eyes open while we are driving. If, at this moment, we try to fight off the drowsiness by turning up the radio, opening the window, or slapping our face, we are playing Russian Roulette with three or more bullets in a six chambered revolver.
The feeling of drowsiness is Red Alert! If we don’t respond immediately, we will die. Drowsiness means a large sleep debt is winning the battle for our mind and brain. There is only one appropriate response. Get out of harm’s way immediately! It is irresponsible and unacceptable to drive drowsy. Driving drowsy is the same thing as driving drunk! Even if we choose to risk our own life and health, we have absolutely no right whatsoever to risk the lives of others.
- William C. Dement, M.D., Ph.D
The onset of drowsiness is the moment when staying awake requires a conscious effort, usually an effort to keep the eyes open. This moment is the last step in falling asleep, not the first. In any hazardous or potentially hazardous situation such as driving, the onset of drowsiness should be regarded as a red alert- a powerful signal to get out of harm’s way instantly. Strong external and internal stimulation during wakefulness can mask a large sleep debt and a strong underlying tendency to fall asleep. If drowsiness occurs soon after a transition from being active and moving about to a sedentary situation such as driving, your sleep debt is very likely huge and dangerous.
- William C. Dement, M.D., Ph.D
Most people think that a heavy meal, a warm room, a comfortable bed, a boring lecture, an alcoholic beverage will cause sleepiness. None of these things cause sleepiness. Rather, they unmask sleepiness. If you do not have a sizable sleep debt, you will never get sleepy in the daytime.
- William C. Dement, M.D., Ph.D
Powered by WordPress