Philippines tops Southeast Asia in sleep deprivation

The Philippines has been leading in some of the more obscure statistics, including having the highest number of nationals visiting lewd websites. But did you know that the country is also ranked as the most sleep-deprived nation in Southeast Asia?

Drowsy driving is a significant road safety issue in the Philippines, with studies indicating it is as dangerous as drunk driving. While local data is limited, international reports estimate that up to 30% of road accidents are caused by driver fatigue.

Sleepiness slows reaction time, decreases awareness, impairs judgment, and increases the risk of crashes—much like alcohol intoxication. The most vulnerable drivers are those responsible for the most lives: public utility drivers (PUVs). PUV drivers and long-haul delivery drivers are particularly at risk due to long hours and high work demands. They spend more time on the road than the average driver and are thus more susceptible to drowsy driving.

How does the government respond to this underlying problem that often leads to fatal crashes? Currently, there is no specific law in the Philippines solely focused on drowsy driving. Existing laws cover drunk driving and anti-distracted driving.

To combat this issue, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and the Philippine Society of Sleep Medicine (PSSM) have conducted awareness campaigns on drowsy driving, including the recent Sleep Expo and Drowsy Driving Prevention Campaign at Clark Cityfront Mall on November 15, 2025. Organized by the PSSM, the campaign aims to promote sleep health awareness.

With the theme “Tabi muna!” or pull over, the campaign focuses on promoting road safety for drowsy drivers who lack sufficient sleep. PSSM President Dr. Jimmy Chang said the campaign encourages motorists to get adequate sleep before driving and to recognize early signs of drowsiness to prevent accidents. He added that driving while sleep-deprived is comparable to drunk and distracted driving.

“Initiatives such as this aim to educate drivers that fatigue is not a sign of hard work but a dangerous impairment,” Dr. Chang said.

The Sleep Expo showcased the latest innovations in sleep technology and bedding, catering to professionals in the medical and wellness industries. The event was held in partnership with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), with patron sponsors Uratex Philippines, Philips Respironics, and Petron Corporation, and other sponsors including Quality Sleep Philippines, Respicare, PraxisMed, ResMed, DuraMed, The Air Station, CPAP, Hi-Esai, Trianon, Converge, and Sleep Lab.

Driving while sleep-deprived significantly increases the risk of an accident because it impairs judgment, slows reaction time, and decreases awareness, similar to drunk driving. Studies show that getting less than five hours of sleep quadruples the risk of a crash, while sleeping six to seven hours doubles the risk compared to those who sleep eight or more hours.

Sleep deprivation also increases the severity of crashes due to slower reactions and can cause drivers to drift between lanes or miss exits. Tired drivers take longer to respond to hazards, further increasing the risk of severe accidents. Lack of sleep impairs focus, making it difficult to stay alert to the road, signs, and other vehicles.

Drowsy driving affects decision-making abilities in ways similar to alcohol consumption. Sleep deprivation makes it harder to maintain a consistent position in the lane, leading to drifting or crossing lines. In extreme cases, a driver can experience “microsleeps,” brief moments of unconsciousness, or even fall asleep entirely—an extremely dangerous situation.

Prioritize sleep: it will save your life and the lives of others on the road.