man in car struggling to stay awake at the wheel

Seven Tips to Stay Awake at the Wheel

2022-02-19T12:54:35+00:00

By Publisher

Drowsy driving is a serious problem, one which many people don’t take seriously enough. According to a report by The News Wheel, 60 per cent of drivers say they have driven a vehicle while feeling drowsy in the past year, and more than one-third of those admit to falling asleep at the wheel.That’s an extremely high statistic.Due to multiple demands, strenuous schedules, et cetera, we are obliged to get behind the wheels either for personal reasons or otherwise, even when we are not fit enough. Or awake enough.If your strategy for combating sleep while driving is to roll down the windows or turn the music up, stop. It just does not work, OK?You shouldn’t be another statistic. Here are tips to help you stay awake at the wheel.

Seven Pointers for Staying Awake at the Wheel

Take enough of a rest before the trip.

Ok, we realise that this might not always be possible for you. But if you can, it would be wise to take as many hours of sleep as you can before embarking on a potential trip.This would keep you bright for as long as necessary. With that, you would have prepared your body for the task ahead.

Eat well.

Eating your favourite meal refreshes and keeps your system active, at least for the few hours of your trip. Lean proteins (poultry products) and complex carbohydrates like whole grain, et cetera, can be helpful.

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However, you gotta avoid processed or convenience food or food high in sugar, as these could make your energy dip instead. Overeating could also hamper a smooth journey occasioned by possible stoppages in order to ease yourself – not to mention make you really drowsy, which you’d agree with me is rather counterproductive.

Take Vitamins.

Vitamins aid energy metabolism. They are important to nerve function and clear, normal vision. So, use vitamin supplements after a healthy meal and you would in a way release more energy in yourself for the journey ahead.

Choose the appropriate time to travel.

Travelling early in the morning is a good option, as the body is high in energy and refreshed. So, plan your journey in line with this special knowledge of when you are most likely to be at the top of your game.

Take a Caffeinated drink.

A cup of coffee would be perfectly okay. That alertness you need can be derived from a single cup of coffee, which contains about 75 milligrams of caffeine.

Chew gum or nuts.

These can help you stay awake. Peanuts and gum have proved to be a veritable means of keeping oneself active. You can hardly sleep when the mouth is active chewing something.

Consider a mid-way nap.

Good for you, if you can park at a filling station or any convenient place during the journey to have about 15 to 20 minutes of rest. This helps to restore your brainpower.All in all…The importance of sound sleep and its benefit to the body system cannot be overemphasized. Hence, sleep well before driving.