Traffic crash accidents in Tehran, Iran： Its relation with circadian rhythm of sleepiness

• Published in: Chinese journal of traumatology Vol. 18; no. 1; pp. 13 - 17
• Main Authors: Sadeghniiat-Haghighi, Khosro, Yazdi, Zohreh, Moradinia, Mohsen, Aminian, Omid, Esmaili, Alireza
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: China Elsevier B.V 01.02.2015; Occupational Sleep Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran%Metabolic Disease Research Center, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran%Traffic Police University, Tehran, Iran; Elsevier
• Subjects: Accidents, traffic; Accidents, Traffic - statistics & numerical data; Automobiles; Circadian rhythm; Circadian Rhythm - physiology; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Iran; Male; Sleep; 事故发生; 伊朗; 德黑兰; 昼夜节律; 睡眠; 统计关系; 道路交通事故; 驾驶过程; Accidents, traffic; Circadian rhythm; Iran; Automobiles; Accidents,traffic
• ISSN: 1008-1275
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cjtee.2014.09.001

Purpose： Road traffic accidents are one of main problems in Iran. Multiple factors cause traffic accidents and the most important one is sleepiness. This factor, however, is given less attention in our country. Road traffic accidents relevant to sleepiness are studied. Methods： In this cross-sectional study, all road traffic accidents relevant to sleepiness, which were re- ported by police, were studied in Tehran province in 2009. Results： The risk of road traffic accidents due to sleepiness was increased by more than sevenfold （odds ratio = 7.33） in low alertness hours （0：00-6：00） compared to other time of day. The risk of road traffic accidents due to sleepiness was decreased by 0.15-fold （odds ratio - 0.15） in hours with maximum of alertness （18：00-22：00） of circadian rhythm compared to other time of day. Conclusion： The occurrence of road traffic accidents due to sleepiness has significant statistical relations with driving during lowest point of alertness of circadian rhythm.