Since avoiding driving at night or when you are fatigued is impossible, here's a comprehensive guide to help you fight sleepiness while driving.
Get enough sleep before the journey
Having a decent rest before the journey is the best insurance against falling asleep while driving. Sleep requirements can vary between individuals, but it is important not to have any sleep debt, since that will make you crave more sleep. When you don't get enough sleep, your brain can switch off for few seconds (micro sleeps) to get some rest.Share the burden with another driver
If you know you have to drive for long hours past your bedtime, it is best to have someone to share the driver-burden. Having several drivers will allow others to rest, and also spend less time at the wheel. But it is also important that the passenger on the front seat isn't dozing off. Seeing someone sleep can make you feel more drowsier.Avoid heavy meals and alcohol before driving
Helping yourself to a heavy dinner can make you feel drowsy. Sleepiness impairs your judgment. So does alcohol. Drinking alcohol also promotes drowsiness.Check your medications
Some medications cause drowsiness as a side effect. So you need to be aware of them and possibly avoid them or ask your doctor for a 'non-sedative' substitute. Here is a list of medicines that can cause drowsiness.Avoid taking a bath or a shower before the journey
If you are driving at night, and think a cold shower will refreshen you up, then think again. A cold shower can make you feel very sleepy within a few hours. Your body relaxed and makes it easy to fall asleep. You will have to fight hard to stay awake after a shower.Take short breaks
Driving without stopping can be a tedious task. So it is important to take breaks at least every 100km or every hour spend at the wheel. Even if you don't nap during these breaks, it will help to keep your brain alert, when you get back on the wheel. Go to shop and buy something, stop at a safe location and do some stretching or anything to stop the monotony of driving.Take a caffeine nap
Taking a power nap is a sure way to beat sleepiness. If you feel sleepy while driving, sleep researches suggest that a caffeine nap can delay your sleepiness up to 2 hours! Drink a cup of coffee or tea and nap for 20 minutes. By the time you wake up, the caffeine have entered your body and start acting to keep you alert.Have snacks and plenty of fluids
Driving on an empty stomach will worsen your fatigue, and can put your brain to sleep. Take some snacks with you and drinks to keep you well hydrated. Or you can pause your journey for a light snack.Listen to music
Music can help your mind to stay alert. The choice of music is a personal choice. But loud music itself can be a driving hazard. As one Canadian study revealed, loud music can delay the quick decision making while driving. Up-tempo music has been linked with more accidents compared to soft music.If you have more tips, please do share them with us at the comments section.
