Liv Hospital Neurology Specialist, Prof. Dr. Ayhan Öztürk explained the difference between highway hypnosis and tired driving and made suggestions on highway hypnosis. Öztürk stated that the moments when the eyes are open but the person is asleep are the most risky moments and said, “You should give yourself a break when you feel asleep while cooking, riding a bike or driving a car. Especially when you say "I drive very well at night" and take a long journey when the brain gives sleep signals, you should stay away from night driving or make your journey in a controlled way. Because the message from the brain at these times is sleep, it will be inevitable to experience highway hypnosis. However, following the white lines on an empty road will still create a hypnotic effect on you. he said.
prof. Dr. Ayhan Öztürk made the following suggestions:
“Have you ever set off and arrived at your destination and you don't remember how you got there? If your answer is yes, you have experienced highway hypnosis.
Highway hypnosis is a trance-like state in which a person drives the vehicle normally and safely but does not remember how they did it. Drivers experiencing highway hypnosis can pass themselves off for short distances or longer kilometers. The idea of highway hypnosis was first introduced as "road hypnosis" in a 1921 article, while the term "highway hypnosis" was coined by GW Williams in 1963. In the 1920s, researchers observed that drivers fell asleep with their eyes open and continued to steer vehicles normally. In the 1950s, some psychologists suggested that otherwise unexplained automobile accidents could result from highway hypnosis. But new studies show that there is a difference between driving when tired and driving automatically.”
"Highway hypnosis versus tired driving"
prof. Dr. Ayhan Öztürk said, “Highway hypnosis is an example of the phenomenon of automaticity. Automaticity is the ability to perform actions without conscious thought. always automatically performs a learned and tried skill such as walking or riding a bike. Once this skill is mastered, it is still possible to perform this skill while focusing on other tasks. For example, a person skilled in driving might go over their evening plans while driving. Because the stream of consciousness is diverted to the other task, it may be that the time spent driving is partially or completely unconscious. Although automatic driving may seem dangerous, it may actually be superior to conscious driving for professional or skilled drivers. No one skilled at a job has to keep his attention on routine tasks. If it does, the business may be prone to spoiling. In the context of driving, thinking too much about the actions taken can worsen skill.” said.
“What is the difference between highway hypnosis and tired driving?”
Öztürk said, “The difference between highway hypnosis and tired driving is that it is possible to experience automaticity while fully awake. Driving while tired can cause you to fall asleep behind the wheel. That is what is dangerous.” he said.
“Advice to stay awake behind the wheel”
prof. Dr. Ayhan Öztürk, ”Whether you are afraid of the idea of highway hypnosis or are tired and trying to stay awake behind the wheel, there are things you can do to increase your focus and alertness.” using the phrase, he noted:
“Driving in daylight: Driving during the daytime helps prevent tired driving, because people are naturally more alert in brightly lit environments. Also, the surroundings are less monotonous, so it is easier to be aware of the surroundings. Drink coffee: Drinking coffee or another caffeinated beverage helps keep you awake in a few different ways. First, caffeine fights sleepiness by blocking adenosine receptors in the brain. The stimulant increases metabolism and prompts the liver to release glucose into the bloodstream. This feeds your brain. Caffeine also acts as a diuretic, so if you drink too much while driving, you will need to take more frequent toilet breaks. Also, consuming a very hot or very cold beverage will draw your attention. Eat something: Snacks give you instant energy and give you enough attention to do your duty. Get in a good position: Good posture helps you maintain concentration by maximizing blood flow throughout the body.
Turn on the air conditioner: If you are uncomfortable, it will be more difficult to fall asleep or go into a trance. However, it will still work if you make the interior of the vehicle cold and open the window in winter. Listen to music: While the music you like relaxes you, the tunes you don't like cause discomfort and prevent you from relaxing enough to sleep. Listen to people talking: If someone is with you sohbetparticipate in e or on the radio sohbet Listening to the program requires more concentration than listening to music. Stop and take a break: If you drive tiredly, you are dangerous to yourself and others. Sometimes the best course of action is to pull over and get some rest. Take precautions: If you have to drive long distances, at night or in bad weather, make sure you are well-rested before starting your journey. Take a nap before journeys that begin later in the day. Avoid taking drugs that make you sleepy.”