Sleep and driving in young adults

Sleepiness is a significant contributor to car crashes and sleepiness related crashes have higher mortality and morbidity than other crashes. Young adult drivers are at particular risk for sleepiness related car crashes. It has been suggested that this is because young adults are typically sleepier than older adults because of chronic sleep loss, and more often drive at times of increased risk of acute sleepiness. This project aimed to determine the relationship between sleep and driving patterns in young adult drivers. Three estimates of the risk of driving while sleepy were calculated from the data: 1) a model incorporating known circadian and sleep factors influencing sleepiness, 2) time-of-day accident statistics; and 3) self-reported sleepiness. Attitudes and behaviours toward driving and sleep were also assessed. Results from each model suggested that young drivers frequently drive while at risk of crashing, at times of predicted sleepiness and at times they felt themselves to be sleepy. The results of this study will help preventative programs to specifically target factors leading to increased sleepiness when driving