Dr Aparna Ramakrishnan, consultant psychiatrist and sleep specialist at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai, India, explains that many people experience intense sleepiness while travelling in cars or trains. This is a phenomenon caused by a variety of environmental and personal factors.
Vehicle Motion: The steady motion of a vehicle can induce relaxation and drowsiness. Long trips or bumpy roads also cause the body to try to get used to it and cause fatigue.
Noise: Steady noise in the car reduces visual and auditory stimulation, making people sleepy.
With little distraction, the brain is not as active, making it easier to fall asleep.
Lack of natural light: Cars and trains limit natural light. The body needs sunlight to regulate sleep.
When there is a lack of natural light, the body's internal biological clock will be disrupted, leading to a feeling of sleepiness.
Physical condition: People who are tired or lack sleep are prone to falling asleep while driving. The body's mechanism is to take advantage of every opportunity to rest, especially in a quiet environment, which can lead to drowsiness.
Monotony: The lack of stimulating activities during a ride, such as reading, working, or chatting, can cause the mind to drift into a sleepy state.
The repetitive nature of long drives doesn't provide much mental engagement, making it easier to fall asleep.
Not everyone feels sleepy while driving, says Dr Aparna Ramakrishnan. Factors such as sleep habits, comfort requirements and individual motion tolerance will influence whether a person feels sleepy while driving.
People who are particularly sensitive to motion may feel more sleepy. Conversely, people who engage in stimulating activities, such as reading or using electronic devices, are less likely to feel sleepy while traveling. Additionally, people who are well-rested are also less likely to feel sleepy while traveling.
