Australian scientists have discovered a quick, brain-based method to assess chronic sleepiness that can be completed in just two minutes. This new measure can help determine if an individual is alert enough to drive, operate machinery, or even take an exam.
Many of us have experienced the familiar afternoon slump after lunch, fighting to maintain focus as the day drags on, often needing a drink to revive our weary bodies.
But what about individuals who endure “excessive daytime somnolence,” which means they feel sleepy throughout the entire day?
This condition is medically recognized and is typically diagnosed after a comprehensive assessment that can take place over a full day at a hospital, utilizing a procedure known as the Multiple Wakefulness Test (MWT).
Researchers at the University of South Australia have now introduced a rapid brain-centered measure of sleepiness that could lead to a diagnosis in just two minutes.
The method involves placing electrodes on the scalp to create an electroencephalogram (EEG), which monitors the brain’s electrical currents. This information can reveal how quickly a person falls asleep.
In a recent publication in Brain Research, the lead researcher, Dr. Alex Chatburn, a neuroscientist at UniSA, indicates that new EEG markers related to biological processes may help predict if someone is fit to drive, use machinery, or even take an exam.
“Sleepiness is a vital biological indicator that signals the body’s need for rest, yet assessing this condition in humans has been challenging,” Dr. Chatburn explains.
“While EEG technology has long been utilized to examine brain function during sleep, existing markers have notable limitations and fail to provide a complete picture. They do not represent the fundamental biological processes, whereas our approach measures neuronal excitability, which aligns with the brain’s sleep-wake mechanisms.”
Dr. Chatburn emphasizes that these findings could have extensive implications.
“Improving our comprehension of sleepiness could enhance scientific understanding and offer practical solutions for managing sleep disorders such as insomnia, sleep apnea, or other conditions where individuals face sleep disruptions but do not feel drowsy.
“Moreover, these insights could contribute to workplace safety by identifying and addressing sleepiness, which can help prevent accidents in jobs that require high concentration.”
The research team will present their findings at the Sleep DownUnder 2024 conference taking place in the Gold Coast this week.
