Did you know that among distracted and impaired driving, drowsy driving has become just as much of a concern? All too often after a long day or not enough sleep, some drivers choose to get behind the wheel, or continue driving, when their body needs a rest.
In this article we’ll cover a few tips to avoid drowsy driving.
1. Get a Good Night Sleep
The latest statistics estimate that around 20% of Canadians get six to seven hours of sleep per night with only 5% consistently getting less than six hours per night. The recommended amount for adults is seven to nine hours every night! You should work to get a good sleep every night, but especially if you’re planning to drive during the nighttime or have a long drive to complete.
2. Avoid Late Night Driving
Darkness is a natural signal to our brains that it’s time to wind down so if you’re already feeling a little sleepy, driving late at night definitely isn’t wise. Even those who start driving while completely awake are more likely to become less alert as their late night drive goes on. If you can’t avoid driving at night, make sure you’re prepared for the natural consequence of becoming drowsy and have some tricks up your sleeve to help you get through the drive.
3. Listen to Something Engaging
Whether you’re a fan of podcasts, audiobooks, or music – whatever you choose to listen to should be engaging enough to keep you awake but not so engaging that you’ll be distracted from driving. If you need a new audiobook to listen to check out our Top 7 Audiobook Recommendations, or if you prefer to sing along to some tunes see what you think about our Top 6 Spotify Playlists!
4. Avoid Medications with Side Effects
If you plan on driving, late night or otherwise, double check any side effects for medications you use. Allergy and cold medications commonly have drowsiness listed as a side-effect, and some even caution against driving at all. Take a quick look at the fine print to make sure drowsiness isn’t listed under the side effects column, and if it’s mandatory that you need the medication make sure to find a different mode of transport that uses someone else as the driver.
5. Take Breaks
If you’re travelling far distances, it’s a worthwhile idea to plan breaks for every two hours. If you’re planning ahead, you can work these stops into your timeline as well as research beforehand where the best place to stop will be. You can use these stops for bathroom breaks, stretching your legs, or grabbing some snacks or a meal!
6. Pull Over For a Nap
Be honest with yourself about how drowsy you are, and don’t force yourself to push through if your body isn’t up to the task. If you find that your eyelids only seem to be getting heavier and heavier, the best course of action may be to split your drive up and get some sleep before you’ve reached your destination.
7. Get Some Sun & Fresh Air
Since our sleep-wake cycle is heavily influenced by light, spending some time in bright, natural sunlight and fresh air will revive your senses. Crack a window during your drive to get some fresh air moving through the car and your body. If the weather isn’t cooperating, turn the A/C on and adjust the air vents so it’s blowing in your face to replicate a cool breeze.
8. Drive With Company
If possible, drive with someone you can chat with! Good conversation does wonders in battling fatigue, and having another set of eyes while driving can make for a safer trip. If you’re making a long-distance drive, having a driving companion means you can split the driving shifts and gives each of you a chance to reset and take a break.
9. Exercise
Getting some daily exercise is always a great idea and it’s an even better idea before you embark on a long drive. Studies have shown that exercise is so effective in increasing energy, that it’s better than some medications that are used to treat sleep problems!
10. Get Caffeinated
Caffeine can be helpful in giving drivers an energy boost to jumpstart their day or to get through the last leg of their drive. Coffee, tea, energy drinks, or even a chocolate bar can go a long way! Depending on your tolerance level and how often you ingest caffeine already you should watch out for the after effects which, like some medications, can include drowsiness.