You are on the road feeling a bit sleepy and you want to stay awake while driving, we provided you in this article some useful tips how you can beat your sleepiness.
20 min of sleep can save your life
In order for you to feel more rested and alert, a quick power nap can be very important. Just a nap of 20 minutes can save your life. By taking a nap you will rest your brain and the nervous system will strengthen and will make your brain work faster.
90 decibels can keep you awake
Likewise, 90 decibels can help you if you feel drowsy. It is known that over 55 decibels are increasing the sleep disturbances and annoyance levels, so 90 decibels will definitely wake you up. Be aware that although listening to loud music can help you stay awake during driving, but also listening to too loud music can damage your hearing. The intensity of 90 decibels impacts the sleep in a great way. Music turned on 90 decibels is the same as a train whistle at 50 feet away.
Eat healthy meal after your pre-route nap
Truck drivers should consume healthy meals in order to stay healthy and awake. Whole grains, lean meats, low-fat dairy products, fruits, and vegetables can boost your metabolism. By consuming healthy meals you will boost your metabolism and reduce the risk of certain diseases. Healthy food allows the blood to run smoothly.
Drive at times when you are normally awake
Drowsy driving is related to more than 70% of truck accidents. Driving at times when you are normally awake will contribute to your safety. That is so because your body is used to function that way. The most dangerous hours to drive are from 2 a.m. to 5 a.m. If you are driving during the hours when you normally sleep might cause lowered simulation.
Drink some coffee
For sure coffee is no replacement for a good sleep, but it can wake you up. Small amounts of coffee like one cup of coffee can help you stay awake while driving around five hours. It is the best pick-me-up drink. But if you are a coffee lover, pay attention not to drink more than four cups a day. Truck drivers should avoid large doses of caffeine because it can harm them. If you are not a coffee lover than in that case you can substitute it with a large cup of green tea or energy drink.
Keep yourself hydrated
Hydration is everything. If not hydrated the body sends us signals of tiredness and sleepiness. The cells, tissues, and organs in our body need water to work normally. There are many foods that you can consume in order to be hydrated, but water is the best option to stay hydrated. When on long trips keep a bottle of water by your side.
Keep Your Muscles Moving
In order not to fall asleep while driving, try to keep your muscles active. If you are driving on a long straight road and there isn’t a lot of traffic try to move a little bit your arms one by one, in order to improve the blood circulation in your body. In case if you cannot move your muscles make a short break, and stretch your body, that will help you to stay awake while driving.
Set the truck temperature lower
By setting the truck temperature lower you will feel cozier. The temperature in the cabin plays a big role when it comes to sleepiness and drowsiness. Turn the AC for few minutes, just to decrease the temperature in the cabin- that will help the brain function because when it’s a bit hotter or too cold in the cabin the brain ceases to function properly.
Keep Track Of How Long You’ve Been Driving
Before getting in the truck cabin and heading to your destination it is good for you to make a plan for your trip. In that plan, you should include the precise number of driving hours and breaks. That will help you keep track of how long you’ve been driving. By keeping that track and at the same time knowing how your body works, you will prevent yourself from falling asleep.
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