Clinic Uses Simulator to Study Drowsy Driving

ATLANTA - The Atlanta Sleep Medicine Clinic, in association with NeuroTrials Research, recently received a driving simulator to test new sleep medications. The clinic is the only accredited sleep disorders center in Georgia to house a driving simulator.

by Staff

August 18, 2010

2 min to read

ATLANTA - The Atlanta Sleep Medicine Clinic, in association with NeuroTrials Research, recently received a driving simulator to test new sleep medications. The clinic is the only accredited sleep disorders center in Georgia to house a driving simulator.

The Atlanta Sleep Medicine Clinic will be testing patients on their alertness and reaction time during monotonous drives and on curvy roads. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that 100,000 police-reported crashes are the direct result of driver fatigue each year. The driving simulator gives physicians the opportunity to safely study the science behind drowsy driving.

"We're excited to be using the driving simulator to test the effects of sleep medications as well as sleep disorders on everyday tasks that impact the health and safety of our patients," said Carlo Noble, the sleep lab coordinator.

Designed to reflect the look and feel of the driver's seat, study participants will easily recognize the positioning of familiar objects. The steering wheel is directly in front of the seat, and the gas and brake pedals are under the wheel. Positioned behind the wheel, three computer monitors mimic the range of vision from a real vehicle. Two cameras, one facing study participants and one facing the screens, record the simulation.

Sleep technicians at the clinic monitor patients during their drive. One technician sits with the study participant inside the room during the simulation. Technicians do not intervene unless a participant falls asleep during the drive and "crashes."

"We are proud to be contributing to the science of sleep-wake disorders by utilizing the latest innovative, experimental techniques to assess the effects of new medications on sleep disorders," said Dr. Russell Rosenberg, director of the Atlanta Sleep Medicine Clinic. "Improving sleep quality and treating chronic sleep disorders can lead to better health and increased public safety."

For more information on sleep and sleep disorders, visit the clinic's Web site at www.atlantasleep.com.

Topics:Drowsy Driving Safety

More Safety

Chris Brown sits across from safety experft at Lifesaver mobile in an interview about distracted driving and phone use tech.

Safety•by Chris Brown•May 1, 2026

Reducing Risk by Eliminating Phone Use Behind the Wheel

Distracted driving remains one of the most persistent risks in fleet operations. New approaches focus on removing mobile device use entirely while adding real-time safety support.

Safety•by Jeanny Roa•April 15, 2026

Distracted Driving in the Age of Smart Tech – Part 2

As distraction risks evolve, fleets are turning to smarter, more connected technologies to better understand what’s happening behind the wheel. Part 2 explores how these tools are helping identify risky behaviors and improve visibility across operations.

Safety•by Jeanny Roa•April 11, 2026

Data Rights, Risks, and Responsibilities After a Crash

What fleets capture to improve safety can also expose them in litigation, forcing leaders to rethink how data is managed, stored, and shared.

Driver holding a phone while steering, illustrating distracted driving and the importance of mental awareness and attention on the road for fleet safety.

Safety•by Judie Nuskey•April 10, 2026

From Distraction to Detection: Strengthening Awareness in Fleet Drivers

Distracted driving is often measured by what we can see—phones in hand, eyes off the road. But what about the distractions we can’t? A recent incident raises a bigger question about awareness, attention, and why subtle risks so often go unnoticed.

Safety•by Staff•April 8, 2026

Lytx 2026 Road Safety Report

While serious crashes are declining, a rise in minor incidents and ongoing risk hotspots underscore the need for continued fleet safety investment.

Driver’s hands on steering wheel in a sunlit vehicle, representing real-world driver behavior and the shift from data monitoring to hands-on training in fleet safety programs.

Safety•by Judie Nuskey•April 7, 2026

Behind-the-Wheel vs. Classroom Training: What Actually Changes Driver Behavior?

Fleets have more driver data than ever, so why isn't behavior changing? Training requires more than reports and coaching — it requires real-world practice.

A person in a car on their phone behind the steering wheel.

Safety•by Jeanny Roa•April 1, 2026

Distracted Driving in the Age of Smart Tech – Part 1

A two-part conversation with Stefan Heck on how AI is transforming the fight against distracted driving. As fleets adopt smarter tools, the focus shifts from reacting to preventing risk. In Part 1, we look at where AI is making an impact for fleets today.

Pedestrians crossing a busy street, highlighting the importance of driver awareness and caution to prevent pedestrian accidents.

Safety•by Staff•March 30, 2026

Automotive Fleet Magazine