Napping And Trucking: Tips To Help Truck Drivers Stay Awake

For drivers on the road, a nap can be one of the best ways to re-energize. A short nap can make all the difference in being alert and safe on the road. However, a nap isn’t always an option when drivers are on the road. Fortunately, there are numerous methods to keep truck drivers awake without putting themselves or others in danger.

Take A Power Nap

Taking a power nap is one of the most effective ways to stay awake on the road. These naps are short and refreshing, typically between 20 to 30 minutes, and they increase alertness throughout the rest of the day. Sleep experts recommend that power naps be no longer than 30 minutes because they can cause drowsiness, which can disrupt the body’s natural sleep cycles and interfere with cognitive performance. It’s important to note that a power nap isn’t for everyone, and should only be taken if it’s an emergency or you’re dealing with sleep issues such as insomnia.

Turn Down The Heat

It’s easy to fall asleep when it’s hot out. And while most drivers have their trucks equipped with air conditioning, the temperatures in cabs can still get to uncomfortable levels during long hauls. In fact, the California heat wave lasted over a week last summer and made it difficult for truckers to escape from the heat outside their vehicles. As a result, it’s important to keep yourself hydrated when driving in the summer. Keeping a large supply of water with you and keeping healthy snacks on hand can help you remain hydrated and feeling good while on the road, especially in the hot summer months when dehydration can be a real issue for truckers.

Listen To Music

Listening to music has been shown to reduce sleepiness, especially for people with pain. It also promotes relaxation by calming parts of the autonomic nervous system. In addition, music can help to increase feelings of well-being and decrease stress. This is due to the release of dopamine, a hormone that is released during pleasurable activities like eating and exercise. A recent study in Pediatric Emergency Rooms found that patients who listened to relaxing music were significantly less stressed than those who did not.

Take A Break

One of the best ways to stay alert while on the road is to take regular breaks. Taking a break is a good way to see the sights, get some fresh air, and refuel your tank, all while keeping you from falling asleep behind the wheel. Getting a good night’s sleep is also a vital part of maintaining peak performance while on the job. After all, it isn’t often that you can have your cake and eat it too, so be sure to take advantage of the time you have on the road. A good rule of thumb is to plan for and schedule at least one hour of sleep at night. You’ll be more productive and happier in the long run. Taking the time to rest up can save you from a costly mistake on the road, or at home, while giving you the energy you need to tackle the day’s tasks and challenges head on.