Paris (AFP)

Coffee promotes alertness and fights drowsiness at the wheel, the leading cause of highway mortality, over time, according to a study published Thursday.

Coffee consumption "very effectively prevents the onset of accidental drowsiness as well as the occurrence of micro-sleeps" for "at least two hours", concludes this study commissioned by the association Assurance Prévention and conducted by cardiologist and nutritionist Frédéric Saldmann and endocrinologist Fabrice Bonnet.

Of the 75 drivers assessed, a first control group consumed a "decaffeinated espresso", a second a "double espresso" and the third a "caffeinated drink", before settling in a driving simulator where their behavior was observed. thanks to a self-assessment, a visual control system and unexpected braking exercises.

50% of drivers who consumed decaffeinated espresso experienced micro-sleep episodes within two hours of driving, compared to 25% of participants who drank a caffeinated beverage and 3% of double espresso consumers.

The caffeine level being the same in the “coffee” group and in the “caffeinated drink” group, “caffeine alone does not explain the difference between these two groups,” the study said.

"Coffee does not only give a boost. We now want to study which molecules explain this result, in order to know if the French who do not drink it can benefit from these benefits thanks to other drinks", explains the doctor Saldmann at AFP.

Stéphane Pénet, administrator of Assurance Prévention, specifies however that the consumption of coffee "does not compensate for the lack of sleep" and does not exempt the drivers, who will be numerous to take the road of the holidays this weekend, of other measures caution, including "regular breaks, good hydration and light meals".

Previous research published by the same authors in 2020 had outlined the "optimized meal" to combat drowsiness at the wheel.

Cucumbers, radishes, endives or tomatoes allow, thanks to their high water content, progressive hydration.

White fish, egg white omelette or chicken breast mobilize less energy than red meat to be digested, which avoids the "roller coaster, blow of form, blow of pump" effect, emphasizes Dr Saldmann.

© 2021 AFP