How to Keep Yourself Awake While Driving?

Other tips to stay alert while driving

As we said, the most important thing is to be rested and sleep enough the day before. However, we still get tired quickly, so here are some other things to do to stay awake while driving:

Time management

When you’re trying to stay awake while driving at night, it’s all about time management. Plan your time wisely. If it’s possible try to avoid being behind the wheel in the middle of the night. You’re more likely to feel sleepy at 2 am than 2 pm.

Don’t begin the trip late in the evening because driving at night when you usually sleep increases the chance that you’ll feel tired. It’s best if you start driving when you’re fresh, maybe in the morning after a good night’s sleep.

Go on a trip a couple of hours earlier, so you have enough time to reach your destination without driving fast and having breaks. Fast driving gets very tiring because it requires more focus. Just go slower than usual and take your time.

No alcohol

This should go without saying, but we need to note it anyway. Drinking alcohol will enhance drowsiness and reduce your driving ability. It’s illegal to drive under the influence for a reason.

You shouldn’t also consume alcohol the night before your drive too. Drinking can prevent your body from entering the REM sleep stage, so there’s a high chance you won’t be well-rested for your long trip tomorrow.

Breaks

Never underestimate the value of breaks. They allow you to take a nap and get recharged. If you don’t nap on breaks, you can go for a walk and stretch your legs a bit. Taking breaks in a bright well-lit environment can also delay tiredness. Using phones or laptops and being in very bright places can also shake you up enough to stay awake while driving long distances.

Eat a healthy meal

Although grabbing a meal from fast-food restaurants seems more convenient, the fat, salt, and sugar in that food can make you tired very fast. You need to eat healthy food full of complex carbohydrates and protein that can give you long-lasting energy.

Get as many whole grains, lean meats, fruits, and veggies in your diet, so you can keep yourself awake while driving. Also, don’t forget about vitamins. If you don’t eat food rich in vitamins, get at least vitamin B and C supplements and you’ll have even more energy.

Caffeine & water

Coffee helps a bit, but don’t forget to drink water too. You need to stay fresh and hydrated because dehydration leads to fatigue and tiredness. Naturally, you don’t have to drink tons of water or you’ll have to stop every ten minutes for a bathroom break, but take small simps every once in a while. You can also splash cold water in your face anytime.

Caffeine does improve alertness, but the effects will wear off after some time. Also, caffeine is a diuretic and increased consumption can lead to dehydration. If you’re drinking coffee a lot, make sure you drink water more.

Chew Gum

Chewing gum helps to some extent to stay awake while driving in the morning. When you have a gum in your mouth, you’re less likely to yawn and doze off. Make sure to get sugar-free guns though. As we said, the sugar rush is very short and it leads to sleepiness.

Fresh air

Cold fresh air can surely help you stay awake while driving at night. It’s not a magical solution, but opening the windows and letting the cool air in can go a long way. You can also open the rear window, so you can create a flow and get a blast of cold air.

This especially works if the temperature in your car is high. When you’re warm and lack oxygen, it’s easier to doze off. Just open a window to keep the temperature low and let the cold air shock you a bit so you stay awake.

Avoid medications

It’s better to have a light headache than to feel drowsy by taking painkillers. Avoid any type of medication that is linked to drowsiness. Unless you need medications as a part of your regular therapy, you’re better off without them on your trip.

Avoid unhealthy snacks

We can’t stress enough that sugar leads to drowsiness. Sure, you’ll get a temporary boost but the subsequent insulin spike will increase your drowsiness significantly. We know that it’s tempting to indulge in sugary snacks, but we’re talking about your safety here. Wait until the end of the trip to get the treats you really want.

To avoid a sugar crash, choose healthier snacks such as a banana or a handful of nuts. Any kind of food that will give you gradual energy release and maintain your blood sugar levels is okay in our book.

Listen to a Podcast

Pick an interesting podcast (or an audiobook), so you can stay alert. Being engaged in the conversation or the book will help you more than listening to melodic beats. Your brain needs to be active, so give it something to think about.

Exercise during breaks

We don’t mean full-blown cardio workouts but some light stretches or short walks will help immensely. You just need to get your blood pumping, so you can shake off drowsiness. Stretching will also help you with back pain and muscle aches caused by sitting in the car all the time.

Signs of sleepiness

You might you’re alert and doing okay, but the truth is you’re tired and you need to notice the signs of sleepiness. You’re at risk of dozing off at the wheel if you:

• Can’t remember the last few miles you passed or you miss exits/traffic signs.
• Have wandering and disconnected thoughts.
• Can’t keep your eyes open, or your eyelids feel heavy and you blink all the time.
• Have trouble keeping your head up.
• Yawn or rub your eyes repeatedly.
• Feel restless and irritable.

Time to pull over

If you experience any of the signs mentioned about, pull over to a safe place! Park, lock your doors and take a nap. You need to protect yourself (and other people in the traffic) and do the responsible thing. You’re never in that much of a hurry that you can’t take a 20-minute nap.

Consider other modes of transportation

If you can’t stop yourself from falling asleep in the car, you should either stop and rest or consider other modes of transportation. You can ask a coworker to hitch a ride, walk home, take a bus or a subway, or call a taxi.

Frequently asked questions

Why do I get so sleepy when I drive?

You get sleepy when you’re driving because you haven’t slept enough the previous night or you’re driving during the night. You can also feel drowsy if you’re taking some medication, drink alcohol, or have an untreated sleep disorder.

How can I drive without getting tired?

First and foremost get a good night’s sleep before going on a trip. Take regular breaks during the drive, and share the driving wherever possible.

Conclusion

We hope this article explained how to keep yourself awake while driving. In the end, all it matters is that you’re well-rested before going on a trip. When you notice you’re getting too tired, pull over and take a break or nap.

Although it’s not always possible, try to go to bed early if you need to get up early, so you won’t be tired for your trip tomorrow.