The key points of this article are as follows: (1) Traffic and occupational accidents are linked to poor sleep and cumulative sleep debt; (2) Sleep-related road traffic accidents (RTAs) comprise up to 20% of all accidents, peaking at 4 am; (3) Sleep-related RTAs are disproportionately injurious and expensive; (4) Many drivers responsible for accidents are sleepier than other drivers, and sleepy drivers have increased accident liability; and (5) younger men, shift workers and sleepy snorers are at increased risk of sleep-related accidents.
Abstract