An enzyme present in saliva helps determine the level of fatigue. This weekend, researchers are present on motorway rest areas to collect saliva samples from motorists.
Your fatigue can be read in your mouth. It’s not in the number of yawns per minute that we find the clues, but in your saliva. For several years, researchers have been carrying out studies on the measurement of the level of fatigue by saliva test. This weekend, they are present on motorway rest areas to take samples from motorists.
400 samples minimum
There is a biological marker of lack of sleep: amylase. This digestive enzyme is present in greater quantities in case of lack of sleep. Professor Laurent Seugnet made this discovery in 2006 in Lyon, after having carried out tests on mice and on humans.
According to The Parisian, around thirty researchers are present on the A7 motorway for this first weekend in July and want to collect samples from at least 400 motorists. They will also have to answer a questionnaire and will be able to test their vigilance through a tablet game.
Fatigue kills
???????? Sleep 5 hours #sleep or less the day before a departure multiplies by 3 the risk of#accident. For the #security of all, be careful on the roads this weekend and think about the break every 2 hours! pic.twitter.com/WSnTzroSVd
– Ministry of the Interior (@Place_Beauvau) May 18, 2018
Drowsiness is the leading cause of highway death. One in three fatal accidents is caused by falling asleep on a motorway, according to figures from the Road safety. Lack of sleep causes effects similar to alcohol: it lengthens reaction time and decreases reflexes. However, among the population, the dangers of fatigue are not always taken into account.
Thursday July 28, the Vinci Autoroutes Foundation published the results of its responsible driving barometer. 44% of those questioned have already taken the wheel when they felt very tired. 16% have already encroached on the emergency lane. It is recommended to take a break every two hours when driving, but on average, in Europe, motorists take one every 3:16. The risk of drowsiness or falling asleep at the wheel does not only concern drivers who have had a sleepless night. Fatigue accumulated after several bad or short nights is also a danger.
Before setting off on vacation, you need to sleep well the previous two or three nights. It is also better to avoid driving from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Once on the road, as soon as you feel tired, take a break.
.
