Drowsiness while driving

Kirbith

So I seem to have a reoccurring problem of becoming extremely drowsy while I'm driving. Now when I am driving for a short period of time, say 20 minutes or less, I have no problems. However, when its longer than that I get very tired while I'm driving. It's usually not as bad during the day when there's sunlight outside, but this makes me an awful driver at night. Especially due to the fact that I have pretty poor depth perception at night, due to my eyes have completely different prescriptions (one eye is nearsighted and the other has astigmatism). My glasses are fine, I just have trouble telling how far away cars are at night, and when I am sleepy on top of this it's a bad combination.

Now I already take preventative measures against a lot of this. Mainly that if I have to drive somewhere at night I almost always have my boyfriend in the car with me, he can tell for sure how far away other cars are, ect. Right now though, I have a job that requires me to travel to other parts of the state for a few days at a time, meaning I have to drive there by myself. I'm mostly worried about one I will have to go to at the end of this month. It's about a 2 1/2 hour to 3 hour drive each way, and I will have to be driving late at night both times.

Does anyone have any tips as to what I might be able to do to keep myself awake? I've tried caffeine, but not much luck there. I always have music playing while I'm driving and I usually try to sing along to keep myself awake, but that has limited success. Keeping the windows down to have wind blowing on me is a no go, as all the lengthy driving is interstate or state highway driving and the noise from the wind at those speeds is just too loud for me. Any advice on this would be really greatly appreciated.

RUNN1NGMAN

What are your sleep habits like? Are you getting 8 hours a night? Sleeping on a real bed and quality mattress?

Kirbith

I sleep about 7 hours a night, 8 makes me too sleepy when I wake up. I have a really nice bed and all that. I also have a very regular sleep pattern, usually go to sleep about 12:30, get up about 7:30.

Caramel Genocide

I made a similar thread a couple of months ago - maybe some of the suggestions in there can help you.

DrZiplock

I found that munching on sunflower seeds helps. One at a time. You have to take the time to crack them with your teeth, separate out the seed, chew and then spit out of the shell. It keeps you occupied and engaged.

At least it does with me.

Also, I tend to carry a pack of cinnamon sticks in the car. If I'm driving and tired I'll stick one of them in my mouth and kinda gnaw on that. Never to break it, but its just something to do.

THEPAIN73

I usually listen to talk radio or something to keep me engaged or focused and I try to keep up on the conversation.

Try listening to a station like NPR to keep yourself alert.

Butters

DrZiplock wrote: »

I found that munching on sunflower seeds helps. One at a time. You have to take the time to crack them with your teeth, separate out the seed, chew and then spit out of the shell. It keeps you occupied and engaged.

At least it does with me.

This works like a freaking charm with me too. Whenever I am going to spend a significant amount of time in a car (which is rather often) I grab seeds and an empty cup at a gas station. Though you might want to grab a bottle of water too depending on how easy your mouth dries out.

moocow

I sing a lot when I drive long distances...or short distances...I just sing a lot when there's music.

Also, easy to eat snacks like granola bars, apples, and baby carrots, and a bottle of water seem to help keep me awake.

DrZiplock

Butters wrote: »

DrZiplock wrote: »

I found that munching on sunflower seeds helps. One at a time. You have to take the time to crack them with your teeth, separate out the seed, chew and then spit out of the shell. It keeps you occupied and engaged.

At least it does with me.

This works like a freaking charm with me too. Whenever I am going to spend a significant amount of time in a car (which is rather often) I grab seeds and an empty cup at a gas station. Though you might want to grab a bottle of water too depending on how easy your mouth dries out.

Bingo.

I set up an empty cup in my cup holder and away I go.

KalTorak

THEPAIN73 wrote: »

I usually listen to talk radio or something to keep me engaged or focused and I try to keep up on the conversation.

Try listening to a station like NPR to keep yourself alert.

YMMV with this one; I find NPR-voices extremely soothing and they tend to put me to sleep faster. However, if this doesn't happen to you then listening to spoken words can be more engaging than having music on - audiobooks or podcasts are another good option.

Crowleston

It's not the healthiest, but I keep cheap cigars in the car, they take a while to smoke, they give you something to do, and it's hard to sleep when your mouth tastes terrible.

Backstop

KalTorak wrote: »

THEPAIN73 wrote: »

I usually listen to talk radio or something to keep me engaged or focused and I try to keep up on the conversation.

Try listening to a station like NPR to keep yourself alert.

YMMV with this one; I find NPR-voices extremely soothing and they tend to put me to sleep faster. However, if this doesn't happen to you then listening to spoken words can be more engaging than having music on - audiobooks or podcasts are another good option.

Try listening to AM talk radio, like Limbaugh/Beck or your local conservative bleater. Angries up the blood enough to stay awake.

GungHo

THEPAIN73 wrote: »

I usually listen to talk radio or something to keep me engaged or focused and I try to keep up on the conversation.

Try listening to a station like NPR to keep yourself alert.

Conservative talk radio keeps me going. Usually because I'm screaming "YOU MORONIC MOFOS!"

Reverend_Chaos

I cannot sleep as a pasenger, because I am not in control of the car, and I have a fear that the other driver will get into an accident and kill us.

Conversely, I feel SOOOO comfortably while driving, that I have no problems falling asleep....and possibly crashing the car and killing us.....

Wierd, I know. I too chew sunflower seeds, and if I am really having a hard time I will pull off and power nap for about 15 minutes and that usually does the trick.

Skullo

Opening a window usually works with me.

Improvolone

I think everyone has an energy drink that just works for them. For me, its the Starbucks Espresso Doubleshot.

a5ehren

I drink a 16oz Red Bull and think about what I would do with the money if I won the lottery. And I don't mean like "travel a lot" - I plan out what cars I would buy, how I would lay out my race track, stuff like that.

Wicked Uncle Ernie

I always wonder about what sort of car people have when they complain about this sort of thing. I drove a Cadillac for a couple years and could not drive for more than 20 minutes at night without getting sleepy. I drive a Jeep now and have no issues at all. Drove a shitbox dodge 5 speed before the caddy and had no problem....I blame the caddy.

The_Glad_Hatter

I used to have a handfull of sugarcubes next to me for drowsy driving.

Santa Claustrophobia

This sounds like the OP might have a circulation problem. I'd almost suggest seeing a specialist or something.

Likely, what's happening is there isn't enough oxygen getting to the brain whilst sitting behind the wheel. Perhaps adjusting the seat and steering wheel might help. Are you keeping your knees slightly bent? Because I've seen people standing up who passed out because they locked their knees.

Another thing that might help is to increase the oxygen by taking ten or so deep breaths periodically. This will help get the blood flowing and help oxygenate the brain. Things like No-Doz or energy drinks can only help for so long and sooner or later you'll just have to keep consuming more and more for it to have any effect. Besides, anybody getting about seven or eight hours of sleep shouldn't be needing boosting chemicals to stay awake.

EDIT:
Another thing that can happen is you hypnotise yourself by staring straight ahead. Always shift your eyes. Occasionally turn your head to look out the windows (when safe). Check the gauges, look at other points on the road and so on. If you think you're about to fall asleep anyway, pull over to the side of the road. If there is room, get out on the passenger side and walk around for a little bit.

Really, I'm suspecting poor circulation.

Wishpig

THEPAIN73 wrote: »

I usually listen to talk radio or something to keep me engaged or focused and I try to keep up on the conversation.

Try listening to a station like NPR to keep yourself alert.

THIS! I guantee I have this problem worse then anyone on this forum. You know that video of the kitten falling asleep while sitting up. No exaggeration, THIS IS MY WHILE I DRIVE, minus the cute...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRXgpR2lzo4

It gets so bad I have to slap the shit outta myself. It's because I have chronic sleep apnea (broken nose and one hell of a thick tongue.) Luckily I've never been in an accident, although I have a long drive home from college today, so watch me jinx myself.

But I've found a 100% cure! Funny radio. Howard Stern, Red Bar Radio, w/e floats your boat. And you don't need to tune in, find whatever show you like online, 99% can be downloaded in some form. When listening to something funny I am totally and completely aware.

Kirbith

Santa Claustrophobia wrote: »

This sounds like the OP might have a circulation problem. I'd almost suggest seeing a specialist or something.

Likely, what's happening is there isn't enough oxygen getting to the brain whilst sitting behind the wheel. Perhaps adjusting the seat and steering wheel might help. Are you keeping your knees slightly bent? Because I've seen people standing up who passed out because they locked their knees.

Another thing that might help is to increase the oxygen by taking ten or so deep breaths periodically. This will help get the blood flowing and help oxygenate the brain. Things like No-Doz or energy drinks can only help for so long and sooner or later you'll just have to keep consuming more and more for it to have any effect. Besides, anybody getting about seven or eight hours of sleep shouldn't be needing boosting chemicals to stay awake.

EDIT:
Another thing that can happen is you hypnotise yourself by staring straight ahead. Always shift your eyes. Occasionally turn your head to look out the windows (when safe). Check the gauges, look at other points on the road and so on. If you think you're about to fall asleep anyway, pull over to the side of the road. If there is room, get out on the passenger side and walk around for a little bit.

Really, I'm suspecting poor circulation.

Thanks for all the talk radio suggestions, but tpain was just being a jerk haha. He knows that I fall asleep soooooo easy to that stuff.

I might try to sunflower seed thing, that would be pretty awesome if that helped.

I drive a 98 Toyota Camry, and i usually have my knees bent at least a little while I'm driving.

I think the poor circulation might well be the case. The deep breaths really seems like it would work, I am going to try that next time I'm out driving.

Thanks for all the suggestions everyone, I really appreciate it.

THEPAIN73

Talk radio really does keep me awake though..

susan

I agree with those who have recommended singing. I too have a Hell of a time staying awake while driving long distances or at night (or long distances at night, which was my regular commute for half a year or so; it's really a miracle I'm still alive), and I solved this problem completely by making myself a CD(/iPod Mix/whatever equipment you have) entitled "Songs I Know the Words To". Now, when I'm starting to fade, I flip on the CD and belt out some Avril Lavigne and Dixie Chicks for about 10-15 minutes (don't judge me) and I'm good for another hour+. Doesn't matter if the song's slow or fast or whatever; all that matters is you know enough of the lyrics to keep up with the singer.

Santa Claustrophobia

susan wrote: »

I agree with those who have recommended singing. I too have a Hell of a time staying awake while driving long distances or at night (or long distances at night, which was my regular commute for half a year or so; it's really a miracle I'm still alive), and I solved this problem completely by making myself a CD(/iPod Mix/whatever equipment you have) entitled "Songs I Know the Words To". Now, when I'm starting to fade, I flip on the CD and belt out some Avril Lavigne and Dixie Chicks for about 10-15 minutes (don't judge me) and I'm good for another hour+. Doesn't matter if the song's slow or fast or whatever; all that matters is you know enough of the lyrics to keep up with the singer.

This goes back to the concept of oxygenation. The act of constantly pushing air in and out of your lungs gets the blood flowing. This is just more engaging than simply deep breathing.

Crashtard

I highly recommend audiobooks if you're into that sort of thing. I drive 10-12 hours 5-6 times a year, and I always have audiobooks handy for the trip. I get so caught up in them that the trips go by SO fast, and I never have an issue with being sleepy.

Kirbith

I actually put in the OP that I do just that: sing along to music. That really doesn't keep me awake though, unfortunately.

GPIA7R

DrZiplock wrote: »

I found that munching on sunflower seeds helps. One at a time. You have to take the time to crack them with your teeth, separate out the seed, chew and then spit out of the shell. It keeps you occupied and engaged.

At least it does with me.

Also, I tend to carry a pack of cinnamon sticks in the car. If I'm driving and tired I'll stick one of them in my mouth and kinda gnaw on that. Never to break it, but its just something to do.

Hey, I'm not the OP, but I had to come here and thank you for this post.

I, too, suffer from extreme drowziness when driving home in the evenings. There are times when I absolutely can not keep myself alert for more than a few seconds. I spent most of my drives shaking myself awake and occasionally I drifted off the road. I kept looking for things to help this... but nothing did.

I tried Sunflower seeds. Ever since then, I've been very alert and awake during my drives. I sincerely want to thank you for this suggestion, because I honestly figured I was going to get into a wreck one day.

So, thanks

DrZiplock

GPIA7R wrote: »

DrZiplock wrote: »

I found that munching on sunflower seeds helps. One at a time. You have to take the time to crack them with your teeth, separate out the seed, chew and then spit out of the shell. It keeps you occupied and engaged.

At least it does with me.

Also, I tend to carry a pack of cinnamon sticks in the car. If I'm driving and tired I'll stick one of them in my mouth and kinda gnaw on that. Never to break it, but its just something to do.

Hey, I'm not the OP, but I had to come here and thank you for this post.

I, too, suffer from extreme drowziness when driving home in the evenings. There are times when I absolutely can not keep myself alert for more than a few seconds. I spent most of my drives shaking myself awake and occasionally I drifted off the road. I kept looking for things to help this... but nothing did.

I tried Sunflower seeds. Ever since then, I've been very alert and awake during my drives. I sincerely want to thank you for this suggestion, because I honestly figured I was going to get into a wreck one day.

So, thanks

Hey, no problem man. Glad that it did the trick and you're feeling safer on the road.

krush

I have this in a VERY bad way. Driving from Oklahoma to California on a job, I got so damned drowsy that I nearly slammed into (or near) a mountain in Albuquerque, NM (a stretch of I40 through albuquerque runs directly up against a mountain and turns right in front of it). The adrenaline rush of turning HARD left with tires screeching the whole time, damned near drifting through the turn was enough to get me through the city, but once I was past it, it was sleepy time again.

The cure, I found, was a Stacker 2 pill and two tall cans of Red Bull. Yes, it had my eyes bugged out like a Tom and Jerry cartoon, yes if I had been pulled over a cop would have prolly taken me in for being high on... something, but it got me through that dull ass state and most of the way to Flagstaff, AZ.