http://worldcat.org/entity/work/id/1865952690

Sleepiness When Your Brain Has a Mind of Its Own

Although it might not be a crime to operate a motor vehicle when sleep-deprived, the truth is that a drowsy driver is just as dangerous as a drunk one. The impact of sleepiness on young minds in the classroom is alarming, too - and it's staggering to think of the productivity lost when workers nod off on the job. This program looks at how the brain succumbs to sleep and how that process might be better managed, or even prevented, using specially developed tools and treatments. Introducing the concept of hypovigilance while outlining the role of the thalamus in sensory perception and the significance of circadian rhythms in daily life, the film follows the work of accident-analysis experts and visits a lab combining cognitive neuroscience with driving simulators. Meanwhile, a biologist describes his study of "time shifts" and how exposure to various colors, especially blue, can enhance alertness. The result is a fascinating look at the intersection of physiology, neurology, and safety research.

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