Sleep Disorders Identified as Major Cause of Road Accidents : AIIMS Study
Dehradun, July 15 – A recent study conducted by the Department of Psychiatry at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Rishikesh, has revealed that sleep and sleep-related disorders are significant contributors to road accidents in Uttarakhand, alongside alcohol consumption. As per agency report, the research, carried out between October 2021 and April 2022, analyzed 1,200 individuals involved in road accidents and found that 21 percent of the incidents were directly linked to drowsiness or other sleep-related issues.
Traditionally, intoxication has been considered the primary cause of road accidents in the state. However, the AIIMS study highlights that sleep deprivation and fatigue play an equally critical role. Researchers discovered that while 32 percent of the accidents involved intoxicated drivers, a significant number among them also suffered from sleep disorders, which were exacerbated by alcohol use.
The study focused on accident victims admitted to AIIMS during the research period, including 575 drivers, the majority of whom operated two- and three-wheeled vehicles. It was found that 26 percent of accidents were caused by extreme fatigue leading to drowsiness, while 21 percent were directly due to sleep-related disorders.
Notably, 68 percent of sleep-related accidents occurred on straight and commonly used roads, rather than on difficult or mountainous terrain. Most of these incidents happened between 6 PM and midnight, a timeframe associated with increased alcohol consumption and rising sleep disorders, especially among drivers who may already be predisposed to such conditions.
The findings underscore the need for increased awareness of sleep health, particularly for vehicle operators. Although regular checks using breath analyzers are conducted by authorities to curb drunk driving, the role of sleep and fatigue has been largely underestimated. The study was published in the peer-reviewed journal Curious Medical Journal in the United States, adding international validation to its conclusions.
