Microsleep Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

The name itself has the word 'micro' and micro means 'small'. Here microsleep means that period of sleep that is only for a few seconds. It can last for 30 seconds and the surprising thing is that even the person himself does not get to know about it. This can happen at any time, such as while working, watching TV, or driving. This can be dangerous while driving.

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Recognizing microsleep can be difficult. Nevertheless, it can be detected by some symptoms -

• Don't answer anything.
• Keep on staring.
• Tilt your head forward.
• The feeling of sudden jerks in the body.
• Can't remember anything at the last minute or two.
• Slow blinking of eyelids.
• Feeling difficulty focusing.

Apart from these, some signs point toward the seriousness of this problem -

• Difficulty in keeping the eyes open.
• Frequent or excessive yawning.
• The feeling of tremors in the body.
• Blink your eyes repeatedly to stay awake.

(Read More - Chronic Insomnia)

The exact cause of microsleep is still unknown, but it is believed that some parts of the brain fall asleep, while other parts of the brain remain awake. Due to this, this situation may arise. Apart from this, there are some factors, which can create the risk of this condition -

• Lack of sleep
• Due to insomnia.
• Working on night shift.
• If for some reason the quality of sleep is affected.

Apart from all these, this condition can also arise if one has the following types of sleep disorders -

(Read More - Primary Insomnia)

The treatment of microsleep depends on its cause, which is as follows -

• If insomnia is the cause of microsleep, then the doctor can prescribe insomnia medicine.
• If there is more sleep during the day, then the doctor can give some medicine to remain active during the day.
• Doctors can suggest lifestyle changes so that sleep comes properly at night. To make lifestyle changes, they can suggest sleeping and get up at the right time. You can advise going for a walk before sleeping so that you can sleep well.
• If the reason for not sleeping at night is stress, then the doctor can give medicines to relieve stress.

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Keeping a few things in mind, you can also avoid the situation of microsleep. Here we are giving some such easy tips -

• Make lifestyle changes such as sleeping and getting up at the right time.
• Avoid consuming caffeinated beverages like tea and coffee at night.
• Have dinner at least three to four hours before sleeping.
• Always have a light dinner.
• Do go for a walk after dinner.
• Keep room temperature balance, neither too cold nor too hot so that you can sleep well.
• Do exercise or yoga in the morning.
• To keep the mind calm, meditate.
• Do not keep gadgets like mobile, tab near you while sleeping at night.
• Sleep in complete darkness in the room.
• Sometimes during the day a power nap means a nap of a few minutes can be taken.

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Occasional sleepiness during the day is not necessarily a state of microsleep. Sometimes mild fatigue, lethargy, or sleep may occur during the day. Yes, if this is happening continuously without any reason and the routine is being affected, then it should be taken care of without delay and proper treatment should be done. It is treated based on what is causing this problem. Therefore, it is necessary to meet the doctor in time and follow the right lifestyle.

(Read More - Ways to overcome insomnia)