at least the automatic pilot keeps things static while the crew sleeps - rather than going into an immediate nosedive

yes that is a good thing

maybe we need dancing bananas

that's why I don't fly. Well, one of the many reasons I don't fly

that is a very scary story! A similar incident happened in Hawaii this past year.

As a pilot, I can attest that would be bad.

truck drivers should not sleep either. Especially since they don't even have am autopilot.

Just imagine it happening in the US. The plane would have been shot to pieces, just in case.

they might have to consider some kind of poking device that can be activated by air traffic control. Holy cow.

in the article it says air traffic control was able to "buzz" the pilots awake

That might work, yeah. The loud noises during the crash might do it, too.