Microsleep is a brief, involuntary episode of sleep that can occur when a person is extremely tired, often lasting 30 seconds or less.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, people experiencing microsleep may not realise it is happening, and their eyes can remain open during an episode, making them appear awake.
During microsleep, the brain briefly switches off despite the person appearing conscious.
Prolonged wakefulness increases the risk, while the body may provide warning signs such as difficulty keeping the eyes open, frequent yawning and trouble concentrating.
Microsleep can be particularly dangerous when driving, operating machinery or performing tasks that require constant attention.
Getting regular, good-quality sleep is one of the best ways to prevent microsleep and reduce the risks associated with excessive tiredness.
