MICRO SLEEP/ WILL HIT the brain--driving, climbing, etc

Microsleep episodes last from a few seconds to two minutes, and often the person is not aware that a microsleep has occurred. In fact, microsleeps often occur when a person's eyes are open. While in a microsleep, a person fails to respond to outside information. A person will not see a red signal light or notice that the road has taken a curve, which is why this phenomenon is of particular interest to people who study drowsy driving. During a microsleep, a pilot might not be aware of flashing alarm lights in the cockpit.

Microsleeps are most likely to occur at certain times of the day, such as pre-dawn hours and mid-afternoon hours when the body is programmed to sleep.

Microsleep periods become more prevalent with cumulative sleep debt. In other words, the more sleep deprived a person is, the greater the chance a microsleep episode will occur.

It is not clear what happens in the brain during microsleep. It appears that some part of the brain effectively falls asleep while the rest is awake. This could account for selective loss of awareness without the person feeling he or she has been asleep.

the following signs and symptoms of fatigue are common:

Increased negativity and irritability, bad mood;
Inability to concentrate;
Lack of energy;
Short-term memory loss;
Apathy;
Poor communication; and
Perseveration on ineffective solutions.

If you've ever lost your keys or stuck the milk in the cupboard and the cereal in the refrigerator, you may have been the victim of a tired brain region that was taking a quick nap.

Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have a new explanation. They've found that some nerve cells in a sleep-deprived yet awake brain can briefly go "off line," into a sleep-like state, while the rest of the brain appears awake.

"Even before you feel fatigued, there are signs in the brain that you should stop certain activities that may require alertness," says Dr. Chiara Cirelli, professor of psychiatry at the School of Medicine and Public Health. "Specific groups of neurons may be falling asleep, with negative consequences on performance."

In the past nothing has worked, coffee, slapping my face mini rests. So it sounds like I really need to pull over and try to sleep.

**helpful hints:
from here:
http://www.medem.com/?q=medlib/article/ZZZHD2NDIWE**

Here are some potentially life-saving tips for avoiding drowsy driving:

Be well rested before hitting the road. If you have several nights in a row of fewer than seven to eight hours of sleep, your reaction time slows. Restoring that reaction time to normal often takes more than one night of good sleep, because your sleep debt accumulates after each night you lose sleep. It may take several nights of being well rested to repay that sleep debt and ensure that you are ready for driving on a long road trip.

Avoid driving between midnight and 7 a.m. Unless you are accustomed to being awake then, this period of time is when we are naturally the most tired.

Don't drive alone. A companion who can keep you engaged in conversation might help you stay awake while driving. (added not: they will NOT keep you awake, but--they WILL know if you are 'sounding odd' or 'losing concentration)

Schedule frequent breaks on long road trips. If you feel sleepy while driving, pull off the road and take a nap for 15 to 20 minutes.

Don't drink alcohol. Just one beer when you are sleep deprived will affect you as much as two or three beers when you are well rested.

Don't count on caffeine. Although drinking a cola or a cup of coffee might help keep you awake for a short time, it won't overcome excessive sleepiness or relieve a sleep debt.
Opening a window or turning up the radio won't help you stay awake while driving. (micro sleep can still set in--
your brain just shuts down no such stimulation registers then)

Be aware of these warning signs that you are too sleepy to drive safely: trouble keeping your eyes focused, continual yawning or being unable to recall driving the last few miles.

Remember, if you are short on sleep, stay out of the driver's seat!

QUOTE FROM ANOTHER MICRO-SLEEP ARTICLE: "This sudden head jerk is how people commonly know they've had a micro-sleep as the brain doesn't remember such short naps.

"Sleep has to last beyond a minute or two for your brain to remember it," says Prof Horne, who studied driver tiredness for 10 years. "With micro-sleep, you are just left with a feeling of not knowing if you are coming or going."

LEARN WHAT MICRO SLEEP IS!!! yes, you CAN BE ASLEEP even with your EYES OPEN, while listening to someone... you can't 'stop' micro sleep... head jerks, nodding, etc, are all signs THAT YOU HAVE JUST actually REALLY fallen asleep for a few seconds... learn what this is... does this happen to you?? THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS FOR -- DRIVERS... MACHINE OPERATORS... AND for making a judgement on something, or, even reaching for the right medicine, cleaners, tools, etc... and--WATCHING babies...