The circadian effect on psychophysiological driver state monitoring

Abstract

Driving is an everyday activity but also brings a substantial risk. Driver state monitoring is a potential method to alleviate such risk by detecting unsafe driver states. Monitoring systems can infer a driver’s state based on physiological measurements, subjective report and/or performance. It is well-known that driver psychology, physiology and performance are affected by circadian rhythmicity independently from being affected by the psychological state. However, there is a paucity of research for the circadian effect on the interpretation of the driver state monitoring. This paper seeks to rectify this situation by reviewing the literature on the circadian effect on the physiological functions measured by the methods used in driver state monitoring. Systems tested in the laboratory as potential driver state monitoring and measures that are used to detect states are also considered. The findings suggest different circadian effects on electroencephalography, electrocardiography, electrooculography, electrodermal response, speech, event-related potential, electromyography, subjective report, blood pressure, facial expression, hormonal salivary content, body temperature, respiration, psychomotor performance, and body position. This study creates a theoretical basis for integrating studies about circadian rhythmicity into driver state monitoring. It shows the importance of circadian phase for the safety sciences, driver state monitoring, and systems design.