Micro sleeps are brief moments when the brain involuntarily shuts down, leading to lapses in awareness that are nearly impossible to resist. These unconscious moments, driven by hormonal changes, can be particularly dangerous in high-stakes situations like driving, where even a 50-millisecond lapse can cause accidents. Sleep deprivation is a significant risk factor for severe crashes, with 40% of Americans not getting the recommended 7 to 8 hours of sleep per night. Simple self-assessments or visits to sleep labs can help individuals determine if they are sleep-deprived and in need of more rest.
Micro sleeps highlight the dangers of sleep deprivation
Help us improve this article
- Add a clear point? Share it in comment.
- Spot an error? Provide the correction and source.
- Broken link? Share a working alternative.
Your feedback helps keep the content accurate and valuable.

