Microsleep and other warning signs that you’re too tired to drive

Day or night, short trip or long: Drivers should always be mindful of how much energy they have when getting behind the wheel. Photo: dpa

If you find yourself yawning at the wheel, sit up and pay attention because even the briefest microsleep can cause a fatal crash, and hundreds of people die this way every year.

The term microsleep refers to very short periods of sleep that can be measured in seconds, rather than minutes or hours, sleep experts say.