The effect of lack of sleep on driving is comparable to what?

Lack of sleep significantly impacts a driver's cognitive functions, including reaction time, attention, and decision-making, similar to the impairing effects of alcohol. When a person is sleep-deprived, their ability to process information and react to driving situations diminishes, leading to an increased risk of accidents. Studies indicate that being awake for an extended period can produce similar impairment levels to those experienced with a blood alcohol concentration over the legal limit.

In comparison, while caffeine may temporarily boost alertness, it does not equate to the impairing effects of sleep deprivation or alcohol. Stress can also impact concentration, but it is not on the same level as the severe cognitive deficits that come from lacking sleep. The presence of noise affects focus, but it is a different type of distraction that doesn’t inherently reduce cognitive capabilities as profoundly as sleep deprivation or alcohol does.