How To Stay Awake on the Road

When you have to keep driving and stopping for the night isn’t an option, you need to find ways to keep those eyelids open so you arrive at your destination safely. That’s not as easy as it sounds – highway hypnosis can set in before you’re even aware it’s happening.
​
That’s setting the stage for an accident because drowsy driving can mimic the effects of drunk driving – you’ll lose concentration, your reaction time will be slower, and you might completely fall asleep and leave the roadway or crash into another car. That means keeping your mind alert is imperative for your safety.

There are several key signs that you might be too tired to drive, and the best solution is always to pull over and get some sleep when you can. Those signs include burning eyes, heavy eyelids, daydreaming, not remembering driving the past few miles, yawning a lot, drifting out of your lane, feeling grumpy, and having your head nod off as you drive.

If you notice any of those signs, here are tips to help keep your mind refreshed and your eyes wide awake and focused.

Turn On Some Music

It’s best to avoid slow music when you’re already tired. Instead, pick songs that will energize you, like pop, rock, or even heavy metal.
The noise will give you a jolt of electricity so turn up that radio and have fun.

Caffeine

If there was ever a reason to load up on caffeine – whether through tea, coffee, or soda – a road trip is it. Caffeine will keep you stimulated and alert. But you’ll need a steady infusion of it if you’re on a long trip. If you stop drinking it before you reach your destination, you’ll have a sudden energy crash while you’re behind the wheel.

Put Down the Windows

Getting some fresh air may be enough to keep your eyes open. Fresh air, especially when it’s cold, can be refreshing and can snap you out of your daydreaming when you’re behind the wheel.
If you don’t want to put down the windows, opt for turning on the air conditioner instead. A blast of cold air will keep you awake. If the air is too warm, you’ll feel even sleepier.

Take a Quick Pit Stop

Getting out and walking around for a minute can help energize you. Whether you find a park and take a quick stroll or you simply wander around a gas station looking at the snack section inside, the simple act of moving around might keep you awake.

Talk to Someone

If you’re driving solo, you can call up a friend for a quick conversation. But make sure you aren’t holding your cell phone up to your ear – in some states it is illegal to speak on a cell phone while driving. The best way to chat is by using a hands-free device. Having a conversation may help keep your mind stimulated and your eyes open.

Planning Ahead

While the tips above will help you stay awake when you’re already on the road, it’s even better to plan ahead, so you don’t put yourself in the position of driving while tired. Here are some things you can do to avoid that scenario before you even leave on your trip.

• Get a good night’s sleep: Purposely go to bed early the night before you plan to do a lot of driving. Getting a full eight or more hours of sleep will leave you well-rested for your trip.
• Fit in a nap before you leave: If you’re leaving mid-day or in the evening on your trip, fit in a nap. But keep it to no more than an hour – anything longer might leave you more tired than you were to begin with.
• Travel with a companion: If you’re planning a long trip, it’s best to take at least one other person with you. That way, you can take turns switching drivers, and the one who is on a break can fit in a nap so they’ll be refreshed when it’s their turn to drive.
• Try not to drive when you’d normally be sleeping: If you go to bed every night at 10 p.m., you’re going to feel tired if it’s midnight and you’re still driving. You’ll be setting yourself up for failure. You should plan your trip so you’ll be tucked into a bed at a hotel at that time of night.   

​How to sleep better?
​

---