What is Sleep Fatigue?

Sleep fatigue refers to the diminished cognitive capacity and alertness due to insufficient sleep or poor-quality rest. When an individual experiences sleep fatigue, they often struggle with memory retention and recall, particularly in situations that require sustained attention, such as driving. This can manifest as an inability to remember details from recent moments, such as the last few miles driven. The brain’s reduced ability to process information can significantly impact driving safety, leading to dangerous situations. Failing to remember past events while driving is a critical sign of sleep fatigue, indicating an elevated risk for accidents due to impaired cognitive function.