Sleep loss, sleep disorders and driving accidents

Abstract

Sleep loss or sleepiness-related human errors are important factors in the occurrence of traffic accidents. This paper reviews a number of studies conducted mainly in Japan over the years regarding the impact of sleep loss and various sleep disorders on the incidence of traffic accidents. In addition, we discuss the effect of treatments on sleep disorders, methods for detecting sleepiness, and strategies for preventing sleepiness-related traffic accidents. © 2014 Japanese Society of Sleep Research.