New Biomarker Test to Identify Sleep-Deprived Drivers

New Delhi. Scientists have developed a new blood test that can accurately detect sleep-deprived drivers using a biomarker that could help avoid road accidents in the future. Experts from Monash University in Australia and the University of Birmingham in Britain said that the level of sleep deprivation increases the risk of serious injury or death in extreme circumstances. The study published in the journal Science Advances shows that the biomarkers used in the trial accurately predicted when study volunteers would die under controlled laboratory conditions. Were awake for more than 24 hours. Future work could investigate whether these biomarkers are evident in saliva or breath and lead to roadside testing. The researchers said the test showed whether individuals had been awake and well-rested for 24 hours. The probability of their being correct compared to the samples tested was 99.2 percent.

When a single sample was considered without thorough comparison (similar to clinical blood testing), this dropped to 89.1 percent, he said, which was still very high. About 20 percent of road accidents worldwide are caused by lack of sleep, researchers hope this discovery can inform future tests to quickly and easily identify sleep-deprived drivers. Biomarkers could also be developed for other conditions where Lack of sleep can have devastating consequences, such as in safety-critical workplaces. “This is a really exciting discovery for sleep scientists, and could be transformative in the future management of health and safety related to inadequate sleep,” the study said. said senior author Claire Anderson, who led the research while at Monash University.

“Although more work is needed, this is a promising first step,” said Professor Anderson at the University of Birmingham. The researchers said there was strong evidence that less than five hours of sleep is linked to unsafe driving. However, Driving after being awake for 24 hours is equivalent to more than twice the Australian legal limit of minimum alcohol exposure, he said. The test may also be ideal for forensic use in the future but further validation is needed. From Monash University Katy Jeppe, first author of the study, said it was difficult to say how quickly the test could be developed for use after a crash. “The next step will be to test it in a less controlled environment and perhaps under forensic conditions,” Jeppe said. “Especially if it is to be used as evidence of accidents involving drivers falling asleep.”