I'm sorry but I have to disagree and tell you that you DO need to worry. If your brother-in-law is falling asleep for seconds at a time whilst driving you don't need any medical qualifications to work out just how dangerous this is. Please, for the sake of his own life, his passengers, and other road users, do tell him to stop driving whilst he is experiencing these symptoms.
Any change in sleeping patterns, at any age, needs to be evaluated medically, as this may indicate more serious organic changes in the body. It is not possible to attribute this to his age without a medical evaluation first. There are many causes of poor night time sleep, and daytime sleepiness. Please advise him to see his doctor - this may not necessarily be a neurological illness, so don't jump to conclusions too quickly with a diagnosis. But please, please, please, get him to stop driving. If he loves the independance of his car then this should be motivation enough to get treatment.
I really would like you to post back and reassure us that he has stopped driving. I wish him well and he is lucky to have you caring for his wellbeing.
Hello Dear,
Such symptoms are common at elderly age and need not worry.You can consult a neurologist and evaluate the cause if the symptoms worsen.
Best