When sleep deprivation becomes dangerous: A doctor's story on drowsy driving

Last January 2024, my phone buzzed with a photo I did not expect—and one I will never forget.

It showed a red pickup truck crumpled along the roadside. The front end was crushed. Metal twisted inward. Glass shattered. It looked like the kind of crash that usually sends someone straight to the emergency room—or worse.

It was my brother-in-law’s car. He is a young doctor who had just finished an overnight hospital duty. Sleep-deprived. Exhausted. Doing what so many healthcare workers—and Filipinos in general—do every day: pushing through fatigue just to get home.

Somewhere along the road in Bacolor, Pampanga, exhaustion caught up with him. In a split second, he failed to see an approaching motorcycle. He swerved instinctively—and rammed straight into a concrete barrier. The impact destroyed the vehicle.

By sheer grace, he walked away physically unscathed. He was given a second chance.

But as an emergency room physician, I know all too well that many others are not.

The invisible danger on our roads

When people think of road crashes, they often blame speeding, alcohol, or reckless driving. What is discussed far less—but is just as dangerous—is drowsy driving.

Drowsy driving is not simply “feeling tired.” It occurs when sleep deprivation, circadian rhythm disruption, or prolonged wakefulness impair brain function. Reaction times are slow. Attention decreases. Judgment becomes impaired. Situational awareness fades—even when the eyes remain open.

Research has shown that being awake for 18 to 24 hours can impair performance in ways comparable to alcohol intoxication. Yet unlike drunk driving, sleep deprivation is often normalized, minimized, or even expected—especially among shift workers, long-distance drivers, and healthcare professionals.

One of the most dangerous consequences of drowsy driving is microsleep.

Microsleep refers to brief, involuntary episodes of sleep, typically lasting from a fraction of a second to several seconds. These episodes often occur when a person is sleep-deprived and engaged in monotonous activities, such as driving on long, straight roads, maintaining a steady speed, or driving at night.

During microsleep, the brain temporarily disengages from the environment. The driver may appear awake, but the brain is not fully processing visual information or responding to external stimuli.

At highway speeds, just three to five seconds of microsleep can mean traveling the length of a football field with little or no conscious control of the vehicle.

In real life, microsleep may present as heavy eyelids, frequent blinking, difficulty focusing, zoning out, or feeling “lutang,” missing road signs or exits, drifting within or between lanes, or having no clear memory of the last few minutes of driving.

These warning signs are often ignored or dismissed. Many drivers convince themselves they can “push through,” especially when they are close to home.

But physiology does not negotiate.

The simple, evidence-based rule

In the emergency room, I see the other side of these stories—the ones that do not end with a second chance.

I see families waiting anxiously outside trauma bays. I see injuries that could have been prevented. I see lives permanently altered because someone continued driving despite overwhelming fatigue.

And the hardest truth is this: Most drowsy driving crashes are preventable.

The most effective intervention for drowsy driving is also the simplest: 'Pag pagod na, tabi muna. 'Pag antok na, itulog muna.

Research shows that a short 15–20 minute nap, taken safely by pulling over, can significantly restore alertness and reduce the risk of crashes. It is not a sign of weakness. It is a responsible decision—one that protects not only the driver, but everyone else on the road.

Adequate sleep before long drives, regular rest breaks, and recognizing early warning signs are all critical components of road safety.

No duty, deadline, or destination is worth a life

My brother-in-law survived. His story ended with relief and gratitude. But every time I step into the emergency room, I am reminded that survival is never guaranteed.

This is why drowsy driving prevention must be treated as more than a matter of personal responsibility. Education, awareness, and cultural change are essential. We need to normalize rest—especially for people who work long hours, do overnight shifts, or spend extended time on the road.

Remember: No duty, deadline, or destination is worth a life.

Especially during the holiday season—when roads are busier, drives are longer, and many of us push through fatigue to make it home for gatherings and celebrations—the risk of drowsy driving becomes even higher.

If you feel tired while driving, listen to your body. Pull over. Rest. Choose safety.

Because sometimes, the most responsible decision you can make is to stop—and sometimes, one pause is all it takes to save a life.

Want to get published at PhilSTAR L!fe? We’re accepting submissions for guest essays and features from aspiring and experienced writers in the country. Send us your original piece at hey@philstarlife.com for review and possible publication.