Driving long distances can be exhausting and monotonous.
Driving 10 or 11 hours per day to make deliveries on time is stressful and tiresome. It can also become dangerous if the driver gets worn down and/or tired out. Here are some tips that will help you stay alert and awake while on the road:
Keep a consistent sleep schedule. Adopt a consistent sleep schedule and stick with it. Naps are great but they do not replace quality, uninterrupted sleep.
Eat lightly and more frequently. We all know how eating a large meal makes you sleepy. It can be difficult to spread your meals out because you don’t want to make a lot of stops. But eating four or five small meals instead of two or three large meals per day will increase your energy level.
Stay hydrated. Hydration has several benefits in staying alert and awake. You should focus on drinking water, not sodas or juices. Extra sugars dehydrate us and even worse, cause sugar crashes.
Exercise. You don’t have to go to a gym. Just a walk around the truck stop or rest area for 30 minutes every day will be a tremendous benefit. Increase your heart rate for 20 to 30 minutes will give you an energy rush because your brain releases endorphins and other chemicals that produce energy.
Use caffeine sparingly. A five-hour energy or Monster drink will boost your level of alertness quickly but the crash that comes a few hours later can be problematic if you’re driving when it hits. When you drink caffeine, stick to coffee. Coffee will give you a boost without a crash.
Turn the volume up. Listening to audiobooks, podcasts or sporting events are a great way to pass the time while you drive and keep you alert. Play them loud if you want.
Take a break. Lastly, when all else fails, just take a break. A “cat” nap can revive you and make you feel rested.
Driving is a serious business and should be taken seriously. Having a plan for maintaining a high level of alertness is a great idea. Dedication to the plan is even more important.
Happy trails,
Brian M.
