micronaps

Micronap, also called a micro-nap or microsleep episode, is an extremely brief episode of sleep that occurs while a person is awake. Ranging from a few seconds to a couple of minutes, micronaps may go unnoticed by the person experiencing them and can occur during monotonous or tiring activities when sleep pressure is high or circadian alertness is low.

During a micronap, the brain briefly transitions toward sleep, with EEG showing rapid sleep onset; the person may not remember the event. Motor control and reaction time can be impaired for a period after the episode. The duration and depth vary; some micronaps involve eyelid closure and momentary disengagement, others include short lapses into light sleep.

They are common in sleep-deprived individuals, especially during prolonged driving, long monotonous tasks, night shifts, or circadian troughs in the afternoon. They can occur even in people with otherwise healthy sleep if they are fatigued.

Micronaps can lead to impaired attention, slowed reaction time, and errors. In driving or operating heavy machinery, they increase the risk of accidents. They are a form of microsleep and are often not recalled.

Prevention includes obtaining adequate nightly sleep, maintaining a regular schedule, avoiding long periods of wakefulness, and using planned naps before tasks that require vigilance. Short, controlled naps of 10-20 minutes can improve alertness with minimal sleep inertia. Caffeine may help temporarily but is not a substitute for sleep.