Long Hauls and Late Nights: Tips for Staying Awake During a Long Drive

Excited for your next road trip? Aside from preparing your vehicle for the trip, you also have to make sure you’re healthy and mentally prepared—especially if you’re the one driving.

As much as you’d like to be in your best condition while driving, it isn’t uncommon to feel bored or groggy when driving long distances. This can decrease your road awareness and make you vulnerable to crashing. Luckily, there are ways to help you stay alert on the road.

What Can I Do To Stay Awake During a Long Drive?

Here are some ways to combat drowsiness when driving:

Drive When You’re Most Awake

As much as possible, try to schedule your trip around the time when you’re usually awake. If you’re not used to doing night shifts, try to avoid driving between midnight to six in the morning. This is the time when your circadian rhythm naturally drops.

The circadian rhythm refers to the body’s internal clock, which regulates the balance between alertness and sleepiness. Once your circadian rhythm drops, you’re more inclined to sleep.

If it’s not an emergency trip, and you’ve already planned this ahead, make sure that you get enough sleep the night before the trip. This will help you maintain the energy and alertness you’re going to need during your trip.

A Power Nap Will Help

If you plan on leaving after lunch, try to take a power nap before you get going. This will allow your brain to reboot.

If you feel a bit groggy while driving, it’s best to find a rest area where you can take a quick nap. The time you’re going to spend resting will be worth it because it’ll help improve your alertness for the rest of the trip.

Mind Your Posture

Good posture helps improve your body’s energy levels and ensures better eye-hand coordination. If you’re feeling a bit drowsy, try to sit straight and avoid slouching. Make sure to hold the steering wheel firmly and correctly.

Drive With a Companion

If it’s possible, don’t drive alone during long trips. Take someone who knows how to drive, and take turns every two hours so you can rest while your companion drives.

Aside from sharing the wheel, talking to your companion can help you stay awake during a trip. Just remember to keep your eyes on the road even if you occasionally have a laugh with your driving buddy.

Stay Hydrated

Research shows that good water consumption can help increase alertness. Your brain needs you to stay hydrated to maintain its optimal function. Water can also regulate your body temperature, reducing fatigue while driving. So don’t forget to bring your water bottle.

Boost Your Caffeine Intake

Caffeine can help you stay awake during a trip. Aside from bringing a bottle of water, make sure you grab a cup of coffee or any caffeinated drink of your choice. However, be careful when drinking highly caffeinated drinks, especially if you have anxiety or you’re under too much stress. Caffeine can trigger panic attacks and can worsen an anxiety episode.

As an alternative, you can drink energizing drinks that don’t contain caffeine. For example, drinking a glass of vitamin-filled wheatgrass can help give you the energy boost you need for the trip.

Watch What You Eat

Interestingly, what you eat during your trip can affect your energy levels. Make sure to eat healthy food before and during your trip. Fruits, vegetables, and almonds are great sources of energy.

Limit your intake of chips and fast food meals during pit stops as they contain a lot of sugar, fat, and salt. These things can contribute to tiredness and drowsiness.

Chew Gum

Some studies suggest that chewing gum, especially mint-flavored variants, can reduce sleepiness and make you more alert. Additionally, chewing gum can help prevent you from yawning during your trip.

Make sure to buy gum that’s sugar-free. Although sugar can boost your energy levels instantly, too much consumption can cause your energy levels to crash, leading to increased fatigue.

Listen to Upbeat Music

Driving can be monotonous, especially if you’re on a highway. To help you stay awake, you can turn your music up. Sounds above 90 decibels can help reduce drowsiness. You can also roll the windows down to enjoy some fresh air.

Get Your Blood Flowing Through Exercise

Take advantage of pit stops and move your body. Staying in one position for an extended period can make you feel tired. Get out of your vehicle and walk around. Stretch your arms and legs. Exercise can help wake you up a bit.

Avoid Consuming Alcohol

One in every three fatal road crashes in the U.S. is attributed to alcohol-impaired driving. Needless to say, drinking alcohol during or before your trip is dangerous. Even small amounts of alcohol can affect your ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.

Be Mindful of the Medications You Take

Lastly, take note of the medicines you took before your trip. Some medications like Xanax (and other tranquilizers) can make you feel really sleepy during the trip. If you’re taking these types of medications, it’s best to ask someone to drive for you, especially if you can’t skip your dose.

Signs that You’re Too Drowsy to Drive

Safe driving advocates treat drowsiness as an emergency when driving. It’s best to pull over and take a nap if you experience these symptoms:

• You’re having difficulty holding your head up.
• You already tend to miss traffic signs and turns.
• You tend to go in and out of your lane.
• You rub your eyes often and can’t stop yawning.
• You find it difficult to recall the last few miles you traveled.

Once you experience these signs, or you notice these signs on someone else who’s driving, find a safe place to pull over and rest. It’s better to arrive late to your destination than not at all.