microsleeps
Brief unconscious episodes
Microsleeps are brief, involuntary episodes of sleep lasting only a few seconds, typically occurring when someone is sleep-deprived but fighting to stay awake.
During a microsleep, the brain essentially shuts down momentarily while the person may appear awake—eyes can remain open.
The phenomenon is dangerous during driving or operating machinery: The accident was caused by microsleeps at the wheel.
A single episode is a microsleep.
State of utter depletion
- tirednessState of needing rest
- drowsinessState of near-sleep
- somnolenceAbnormal urge to doze
- burnoutChronic occupational depletion
overworked · weary · lethargy · sluggishness · grogginess · yawning · nodding · sleepiness
Lasting very briefly
instantaneous · transient · fleeting · split-second · ephemeral · quick · short-lived · passing
Automated vehicle guidance system
- inattentionLack of focus
- driftingMoving without purpose
- unconsciousnessComplete lack of awareness
- uncontrollableImpossible to restrain
Controlling a vehicle
- highwayMajor road for travel
- crashSudden violent impact
- accidentUnintended harmful event
- truck-driverCommercial vehicle operator
pilot · operator · vigilance · alertness · impairment · near-miss · long-haul
Brief light sleep
rejuvenation · refreshment · alertness · caffeine · stimulant · countermeasure
exhaustion
State of utter depletion
- tirednessState of needing rest
- drowsinessState of near-sleep
- somnolenceAbnormal urge to doze
burnout · overworked · weary · lethargy · sluggishness · grogginess · yawning · nodding · sleepiness · circadian
momentary
Lasting very briefly
flash · instantaneous · transient · fleeting · split-second · ephemeral · quick · short-lived · passing · imperceptible
autopilot
Automated vehicle guidance system
- inattentionLack of focus
- driftingMoving without purpose
- unconsciousnessComplete lack of awareness
uncontrollable · reflexive · automatic · unintentional · blackout
driving
Controlling a vehicle
truck-driver · pilot · operator · vigilance · alertness · impairment · near-miss · long-haul
catnap
Brief light sleep
respite · rejuvenation · refreshment · alertness · caffeine · stimulant · countermeasure
- fatigue symptomsexhaustion, tiredness, drowsiness, sleepiness, yawning
- inattentiondistracted, spacing, absent-minded, distraction, obliviousness
microsleepshypervigilance
Heightened threat sensitivity
vigilance · sharp focus · mental acuity · wide awake · concentration
microsleepsdeep sleep
Unconsciousness hard to rouse
restorative sleep · REM sleep · hibernation · sleep cycle · coma