Stay awake: 7 proven tips to avoid falling asleep while driving
Staying awake at school and at work is a rule many of us have broken at least once in our lives. But violating this rule while driving entails dire consequences. The road puts you in a philosophical mood, and the monotonous flashing of cars and houses outside the window relaxes you better than a sleeping pill. If, after a few hours on the road, the driver notices that his concentration level is decreasing, it’s time to resort to one of the proven ways to cheer up.
Communication
A calm conversation that does not distract from the road is the best cure for sleep. It is impossible to argue and emotionally discuss vital issues on the road, otherwise the driver will sooner or later turn his attention to what is happening inside the car. This “pill” is completely contraindicated for novice drivers, because it is already difficult for them to keep their attention in focus. If you have to drive at night, place passengers in the back seat and ask them to follow your eyes in the rearview mirror. When they report that your eyes are sticking together, you will have to stop and rest. If you rent a car in Kiev , you can consider the option of a car with a driver. A professional will definitely not fall asleep at the wheel!
Exercise and snack
Every three to four hours on the road, the driver should stretch, drink tea and eat. Active squats and push-ups accelerate sleep and stimulate blood circulation.
Radio on the road is a must
Active, dynamic music, audio books and radio will invigorate your brain and put you in the right mood. If you get so tired that even the most cheerful rhythms stop invigorating, then it’s time to start singing along. Loud singing stimulates blood circulation in the lungs and helps saturate cells with oxygen.
Chew
Place seeds, gum, nuts, cookies and chocolate in the glove compartment. Take them out as soon as you feel sleepy. While the driver is chewing, he is busy, which means he maintains at least the minimum permissible concentration. True, it is better to avoid chips, salted nuts and crackers on the road, because regular abuse of such food will soon lead to stomach pain.
Natural energy drinks
Energy drinks and energy pills can harm the heart, so it is better not to abuse them. But natural remedies, for example, strong tea, coffee, ginseng, eleutherococcus, lemongrass and preparations containing guarana and taurine, will quickly restore the ability to concentrate and good spirits. If nothing works and the drive is still long, try placing slices of oranges and lemons in the car.
Concentration
If you go on vacation, imagine the end point of the route and think through upcoming events. If you really want to sleep, focus on the little things. Listen to every sound, carefully read road signs, concentrate on your posture. Keep an eye on road objects: read the road signs and keep an eye on the license plates of cars passing by. Change the object of concentration, but do not allow yourself to get carried away more than is acceptable.
"The Radio Operator's Dream"
If all else fails, pull over and sit in the car with your eyes closed or sleep for 15-20 minutes. After this, you will need to do exercises and eat, and only then go.
Stocked up on oranges and lemons? Have you put a pack of cookies, a cup, water and a boiler in the glove compartment to make coffee on the road? Have you made a playlist with rock operas? Now you definitely won’t fall asleep while driving – neither in your own car, nor if you rent a car in Kyiv.