“I know when to stop”: sentinels and counterstrategies against drowsy driving in narcolepsy and idiopathic hypersomnia

Abstract

Abstract Study Objectives To collect prodromal symptoms experienced by participants with narcolepsy and idiopathic hypersomnia (considered “hypersomnolence experts”) prior to drowsy driving and counterstrategies used to maintain alertness. Methods Systematic, face-to-face interview (using a semi-structured questionnaire), including clinical measures, frequency of car accidents/near misses, and symptoms experienced before impending drowsy driving episodes and counterstrategies. Results Among 61 participants (32 with narcolepsy, 29 with idiopathic hypersomnia; 56 drivers), 61% of drivers had at least one lifetime accident/near miss. They had a higher sleepiness score (14 ± 4 vs. 11 ± 5, p < .04) than those without an accident/near miss, but no other differences in demographics, driving experience, medical conditions, symptoms, sleep tests, and treatment. All but three participants experienced prodromal symptoms of drowsy driving, which included postural and motor changes (86.9%: axial hypotonia—e.g. eyelid droop, stereotyped movements), cognitive impairment (53.3%: automatic steering, difficulty concentrating/shifting, dissociation, mind wandering, dreaming), sensory (65%: paresthesia, pain, stiffness, heaviness, blunted perceptions such as a flat dashboard with loss of 3D, illusions and hallucinations), and autonomic symptoms (10%, altered heart/breath rate, penile erection). Counterstrategies included self-stimulation from external sources (pain, cold air, music, drinks, and driving with bare feet), motor changes (upright posture and movements), and surprise (sudden braking). Conclusions Drowsy driving symptoms can result from “local” NREM, entry in N1 sleep, and hybrid wake/REM sleep states. These rich qualitative insights from participants with narcolepsy and idiopathic hypersomnia, as well as sophisticated counterstrategies, can be gathered to reduce the crash risk in this population, but also in inexperienced healthy drivers.