Tips For Staying Awake While Driving

Driving is a skill that requires a lot of concentration, so it's important to make sure you're prepared for the task. However, there can be some instances where you've not had enough sleep and had to drive to a place due to an emergency or an urgent situation. Sometimes, you may even have to travel all night for long drives. So, how can you be alert and awake while driving during these instances?

In this article, we have gathered tips for staying awake while driving so you can still go from one point to another safely and surely, even without enough rest or sleep.

Get Enough Sleep Before You Drive

You don't have to be a sleep expert to know that driving while suffering from sleep deprivation can lead to injuries or even death. It's one of the most common causes of fatigue-related accidents. Getting enough rest is one of the best ways to keep yourself awake and alert before hitting the road.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends that you should get seven to eight hours of sleep before driving — and if you're going on a long trip or driving in unfamiliar conditions, you should try to get even more rest beforehand to get that energy boost.

When you're driving, you need to be able to operate your vehicle safely and efficiently. Being well-rested is helpful because it allows you to stay alert and be able to make decisions quickly.

Drink Coffee Or Other Caffeinated Drinks

If getting some sleep or a nap is not at all possible, coffee can be your best friend. Caffeine is a natural stimulant that can help you stay awake. The recommended amount for individuals varies — some may need just a sip of coffee, while others require several cups.

When you're tired and need to stay awake while driving, a cup of coffee might do the trick for you because it can cause your body to feel alert and give you more energy. Drinking coffee could also improve your mood by reducing anxiety or stress levels, making it easier for you to concentrate.

However, too much coffee can cause jitters and make you feel anxious. In extreme cases, it may even lead to panic attacks, so it's best to limit yourself to a cup or two.

Take Vitamins

One way to help you stay awake while driving is by taking vitamins. They can help you resist sleepiness and improve your concentration, making it easier for you to pay attention on the road. Vitamins such as B12 and C could help your body maintain energy levels that could prevent you from dozing off behind the wheel.

Eat Healthy And Nutritious Food

Eating healthy can help you focus on the road, so make sure your diet includes fruit and vegetables to boost your energy and ample amounts of water to stay hydrated. Nuts are great for keeping energy levels up when driving for long periods because they contain protein and vitamins that will keep your brain alert.

Avoid foods full of fat and sugar, such as potato chips or chocolate bars, because they can make you tired and groggy, leading to unwanted incidents.

Listen To Music Or Podcasts

When you're behind the wheel, staying awake on long drives can be hard. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to keep yourself conscious while driving, such as listening to music and podcasts — so long as you don't get lost in them and forget about your surroundings!

Music can help distract you from the monotony of driving and keep you alert, creating a stimulating atmosphere that helps calm your nerves. On the other hand, podcasts have the added benefit of engaging your mind in various interesting conversations. Audiobooks are also nice because they take up more time than regular music tracks and can be enjoyable.

Stop For Breaks and Do Some Stretching

When you're tired, it's easy to start nodding off while driving, which is dangerous and can lead to an accident. Take a break every couple of hours or so, especially when driving on a long trip.

Park your vehicle in a safe place. Get some fresh air and do some stretches to keep your body moving. Stretching helps keep blood flowing through different areas of our bodies and prevents us from getting stiff while sitting still for long periods. If you ignore this routine, there's a chance that one of your muscles will start to cramp up or ache and distract you from driving safely.

Take A Nap

As we’ve mentioned earlier, rest is essential for proper brain function, so it is important to make sure you are getting enough of it before you drive.

If you're feeling drowsy while driving, pull over somewhere safe and take a nap until you feel fine again. This can help prevent accidents from occurring due to lack of sleep.

A 15 to 20-minute nap can increase alertness, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Be cautious, though! When you doze off for longer than that and then wake up, it can make you feel groggy rather than refreshed.

Travel With A Companion

Traveling with a companion, whether a family member or a friend, is probably the most effective way to avoid falling asleep while driving. Being in the presence of another person is a good way to keep your mind sharp and engaged. You can ask them questions about their life, talk about current events, or just share random stories and jokes.

A big bonus is if you are traveling with a companion who knows how to drive. They can take the wheel for you occasionally so that you can rest your eyes and catch some sleep.

Don't Drink Alcohol Before You Drive

Alcohol is a depressant and can cause drowsiness — it's very important to never drink and drive. That's because alcohol affects your reaction time and makes it harder for your brain to process complex information. Alcohol also makes it harder for you to judge the speed of other cars and thus increases the chances that you'll crash into them.

If you are having a hard time keeping your eyes open due to intoxication, don't even try to start your vehicle.

Rest is King

In summary, there are many ways to prevent falling asleep while driving. Whether it's listening to music, talking to a friend, or even taking a break from the road every now and then — all these methods can help you on night-long drives and trips where you've got no rest.

Remember to always take care of yourself, drive safely, and keep your eyes on the road!