Horizons by RAC Podcast

Driving tired: How a bad night's sleep increases your crash risk


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Driver fatigue is a term often associated with those spending long hours behind the wheel, such as drivers in the freight industry and those undertaking long road trips, whether for leisure or work.


But driving a vehicle while impacted by sleep loss is a much wider issue in the community, including over short distances.


The Sleep Health Foundation estimates that more than half of Australian adults are suffering from at least one chronic sleep symptom. And almost half (48%) of all Australian adults report at least two sleep-related problems according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.


It follows that the number of drivers on our roads who are operating a vehicle while affected by sleep loss must also be high.


To talk through the impacts of poor-quality and inadequate sleep on those operating a vehicle, we spoke with Dr Nicholas Mabbott, Director of Beyond Midnight Consulting with over 25 years’ experience in sleep and fatigue management.


00:00 Understanding Driver Fatigue 

00:51 The Importance of Quality Sleep 

01:02 The Science Behind Sleep Cycles 

01:52 The Impact of Poor Sleep on Health 

02:44 Strategies for Better Sleep 

05:57 The Role of Melatonin and Body Clock 

14:15 Driving and Sleep Deprivation 

27:35 The Impact of Passengers on Driver Fatigue 

29:01 Holiday Driving Risks and Tips 

30:07 Planning for Safe Long Drives 

36:56 The Role of Technology in Fatigue Management 

40:49 The Importance of Sleep Hygiene 

51:44 Managing Fatigue During the Holidays 

53:42 Conclusion and Final Thoughts


Guest 

Dr Nicholas Mabbott, Director of Beyond Midnight Consulting 
www.youtube.com/@drnicholasmabbott7549


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The views expressed in this podcast are those of the individuals involved and may not be shared by the Royal Automobile Club of WA (Inc) or its related bodies corporate (together “RAC”) or any of its or their councillors, directors or employees.  This podcast is for general information and entertainment purposes only.  Listeners should not rely on the content as a substitute for independent advice.  References to a product should not be construed as an endorsement by RAC.  RAC accepts no liability for any reliance placed on the content.

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