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My Husband Has Had Half Dozen Episodes Over The Last
Question: My husband has had half dozen episodes over the last 3 years that we think is called sleep inertia. When it happens he is just waking up but doesn't know what day it is or what he did the day before. He will ask repeatedly both questions: what day is it and what did I do yesterday. It can go away in 10-20 minutes. As soon as it goes away everything is normal again. It seems to happen in periods of high stress combined with exhaustion and some dehydration. My question is how dangerous is a condition like this if he is traveling by car for 10 hours and can begin to get tired on the trip and he is the driver? Thank you
Brief Answer:
Avoid driving long for long hours
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I understand your concern. Sleep inertia is a condition that is usually associated with incomplete sleep, or disturbed stages of sleep. This may be due to sleep deprivation, extreme stress or may just occur for unknown reasons.
While not life threatening in itself, it may lead to dangerous consequences, due to temporarily impaired physical and mental functions, especially when driving. Sleep inertia may occur even after a few seconds of napping, which makes driving long distances very dangerous. I would advise against driving longer hours and during the night. If this is not an option, then coffee of caffeine tablets, as well as frequent stops on the was may offer a solution. Also sounds and cold temperature may help stay alert while driving.
It is best to keep in mind that full, uninterrupted and rested sleep is the best way to minimize the effects of this condition.
I hope this answers your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care
Avoid driving long for long hours
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I understand your concern. Sleep inertia is a condition that is usually associated with incomplete sleep, or disturbed stages of sleep. This may be due to sleep deprivation, extreme stress or may just occur for unknown reasons.
While not life threatening in itself, it may lead to dangerous consequences, due to temporarily impaired physical and mental functions, especially when driving. Sleep inertia may occur even after a few seconds of napping, which makes driving long distances very dangerous. I would advise against driving longer hours and during the night. If this is not an option, then coffee of caffeine tablets, as well as frequent stops on the was may offer a solution. Also sounds and cold temperature may help stay alert while driving.
It is best to keep in mind that full, uninterrupted and rested sleep is the best way to minimize the effects of this condition.
I hope this answers your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Answered by
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