Energy drinks can help cut driver sleepiness, which is considered to cause more road deaths than drink driving, according to new research, writes David Duffy.

In the first study of its kind, the UK's leading sleep research centre at Loughborough University studied the effects of an energy drink on sleep-deprived drivers during the '2pm slump' between 2pm and 5pm, known to be a high risk period for drivers.

The research, carried out by Professor Jim Horne and Doctor Louise Reyner, warns that this 'silent killer' is rife after lunch.

In our increasingly sleep-deprived society, accidents peak during this period of the day when people are least alert.

Young men aged 18-30 are most at risk accounting for around 50 per cent percent of sleep-related crashes. The research has also confirmed that women are miles better drivers than men.

Sleep-deprived women took fewer risks and anticipated hazards better.

Prof Horne said: "Young male drivers go faster and are far more likely to be killed at the wheel than females. They have an over-confident image of their driving skills few admit there's anything wrong with the way they drive."

Prof Horne said that the most common techniques for keeping alert at the wheel such as rolling down the window to get more air, listening to the radio or slapping or pinching oneself simply did not work.

Prof Horne added: "Driver sleepiness is avoidable. What works is adequate sleep, pulling off the road and taking naps when sleepiness strikes.

"Keep a couple of cans of an energy drink in the glove compartment to be taken by the sleepy driver during a break from driving.

"This advice could save your life and the lives of others."

To coincide with the findings, which were announced at a major conference 'Falling Asleep at the Wheel', the Sleep Research Centre has published a dossier entitled Arrive Alive.

The research tested driving ability after drinking the energy drink or a control drink using an interactive car simulator, which replicated monotonous motorway conditions.

In the tests, those given the energy drink performed significantly better than those who went without.

One can markedly reduced afternoon sleepiness and sleep-related incidents, while two cans almost eliminated sleep-related incidents and symptoms of sleepiness for two hours.

The research said everybody is vulnerable, but the centre identified the following 'high risk' groups.

These included night shift workers, commercial drivers, journalists, doctors and nurses, pilots and cabin crew, sales representatives and students.