At the Sleep Expo on Drowsy Driving Prevention in Pampanga, one message resonated clearly: rest is not a reward—it’s a responsibility. Organized by the Philippine Society of Sleep Medicine (PSSM), the event reframed sleep from a passive habit into a life-saving choice.
By Roshell She Travilla
The Heart of the Expo
I never imagined that attending a sleep expo would leave such a lasting impression on me. When I walked into the venue in Pampanga for the Sleep Expo on Drowsy Driving Prevention, organized by the Philippine Society of Sleep Medicine (PSSM), I expected something straightforward—another health seminar, another set of reminders.
What I didn’t expect was how deeply it would stay with me.
The theme of the expo was “Tabi Muna”—a simple but powerful call to pause, rest, and choose safety. Dr. Jimmy Chang, president of PSSM, shared the heartbreaking story that sparked this advocacy: a tragic accident along SCTEX where a driver fell asleep at the wheel and ten innocent lives were lost. Hearing that story made the room feel heavy. It was a stark reminder of how fragile life can be when we push ourselves beyond our limits.
In that moment, it became clear that sleep—something we often treat as optional—is not just about comfort or convenience. It is about survival.
Expanding the Conversation
The expo also marked the launch of a drowsy driving campaign, supported by the MMDA. I found it inspiring that this message would reach a wider audience, reminding drivers everywhere that fatigue can be as dangerous as alcohol or drugs behind the wheel.
On the second day, the discussions shifted toward sleep disorders and practical solutions. Members of the PSSM board spoke about common issues such as insomnia, sleep apnea, and the unique challenges faced by shift workers.
One topic that drew significant attention was melatonin.
During the Q&A, sleep specialists clarified an important point: melatonin is not a cure for insomnia. Instead, it helps regulate the body’s circadian rhythm. For people whose schedules disrupt their natural sleep cycle—like nurses, call center agents, and factory workers—melatonin can be useful when taken properly and at the right dosage. It’s a tool, not a shortcut.
A Personal Awakening
As the talks continued, I realized that sleep is more than just rest—it is a pillar of health, safety, and productivity. The expo wasn’t just informative; it felt personal. It made me think about my own habits, the nights I traded sleep for deadlines, and the times I underestimated how dangerous fatigue can be.
Walking out of the expo, I carried a simple but powerful lesson with me: sleep is not a luxury—it’s a necessity.
And the next time I feel tempted to push through exhaustion, I know I’ll remember the words behind the theme:
Tabi Muna. Pause. Rest. Live.
“Fatigue can be as dangerous as alcohol or drugs behind the wheel.”
“Tabi Muna. Pause. Rest. Live.”
