Drowsy driving is a leading cause of car accidents and fatalities. This can happen for a number of reasons, such as not getting enough sleep or taking certain medications before a long drive.
If you feel drowsy behind the wheel, take a quick break and re-energize yourself. It will help you stay safe on the road.
1. Take a Short Nap
Taking a short nap is a great way to refresh your mind and body. It can also help you avoid drowsiness while driving, according to the National Safety Council. Buy Modvigil Online can also help you Avoid Falling Asleep While Driving.
Ideally, your nap should be around 20 minutes. This length will allow you to enter light sleep without entering REM or deep sleep stages, which can interrupt your sleep cycle and cause drowsiness.
Taking a nap during the afternoon is recommended as it helps to prevent daytime fatigue and increases productivity. However, naps should be taken at the right time and in the right place.
Continue reading to find out how to avoid being sleepy while driving, how to recognise the signals that you should pull over right away, and other transportation options to think about if you frequently feel too sleepy to drive.
2. Listen to Music
Music has been shown to improve focus and concentration, and can even help a driver stay alert on the road. It’s important to choose the right type of music for your driving needs, however, so that it doesn’t distract you from your responsibilities as a driver. Artvigil 150 mg also helps focus and concentration.
Researchers have found that the tempo of music can also affect how you drive. For instance, music with a fast tempo can cause you to speed up and be more aggressive while driving.
The right kind of music can make a driving trip more fun and exciting, but it takes some trial and error to find the perfect tunes. For example, pop songs are usually upbeat and keep your energy high.
3. Drink Caffeine
Drinking caffeine can help you stay alert and reduce your risk of falling asleep while driving. However, it should only be taken in moderation – the US Food and Drug Administration recommends 400 milligrams of caffeine per day for healthy adults.
Caffeine can be found naturally in coffee, tea, chocolate, soft drinks, and energy drinks. It can also be added to many packaged foods and dietary supplements.
Recent research shows that even a small amount of caffeine can improve your ability to drive and reduce your sleepiness during highway driving. It is important to note, though, that drowsy driving is still dangerous.
The most widely used (and accepted) stimulant in the world is coffee. Why not try it when you’re driving if it can help you get through many other drowsy sections of your day?
According to Trusted Source, even one cup of coffee will help lessen the symptoms of sleep deprivation, which might cause you to get drowsy while operating a motor vehicle. According to a study by Trusted Source, caffeine can even reduce your chance of passing out while driving.
4. Talk to Your Passenger
It may seem like a silly thing to do, but talking to your passenger can actually be a good way to stay alert while you’re driving. New research from the University of Utah shows that drivers who chat with a passenger are less distracted than those who talk on their cell phones.
They are also better at identifying hazards and understanding traffic conditions. Passengers instinctively stop chatting when they see a challenge on the road and offer an extra set of eyes to help spot nearly-missed exits or erratic drivers.
If you notice signs of drowsiness, such as difficulty focusing or heavy eyelids, hand the wheel to someone else or pull over for a quick nap. It might be tempting to rely on tricks to stay awake and avoid falling asleep, but these only distract you from the important task of controlling your vehicle and monitoring the roads around you.
5. Get Some Exercise
Whether you’re commuting to work, shuttling kids between activities, or running errands around town, driving can be tough on the body and mind. And while it’s tempting to sit in your car and unwind, there are small exercises that can help keep you active and alert whilst behind the wheel.
For example, try rotating your arms in quick circles while sitting on the seat. This exercise strengthens your shoulders and will give you some upper back strength, too.
If you have a long commute or are planning a road trip, consider driving with a friend so you can alternate driving duties when one of you starts to nod off.
