Check out these four tips to help truckers stay alert and awake on a long haul.
Truck drivers often have erratic sleep schedules, and long days behind the wheel can be very tiring. While everyone has a cup of coffee in the morning, it’s important to not rely on too much caffeine during the day to stay awake! Continue reading for a few tips on how truckers can stay alert for longer without caffeine or other stimulants.
Beware Of High Contrast Lights At Night
When driving during the night, beware of looking into bright lights on your dashboard, as the contrast with the pitch black can make your eyes feel sleepy. If possible, drive with soft red lights in your interior of the cab at night instead, as this will help your eyes remain focused on the road. You can also dim the dash lights down a little, so they are not shining so bright. Lastly, do your best to avoid looking at oncoming headlights in the dark; look straight in front of your truck instead.
Cool Temperature
Your AC is likely on at all times in the summer, but even if it’s a colder night than usual, don’t let your cab get too warm! We sleep best when we’re warm, and too much heat can make you very tired. Turn down the temperature and keep your cab chilly to ensure you stay alert for the long haul.
Radio
Listening to the radio is great for keeping you entertained for hours on end, but beware of how you are feeling while listening to slower songs or monotone podcasts. If you’re listening to the same thing for too long, it can put you in a trance and make you lose focus on the road. Take breaks from the radio every now and then to check in with yourself and how you’re feeling, and switch to more upbeat music or a funny talk show to lift your mood.
Take A Walk
Driving for hours at a time is difficult, and can actually be detrimental to your health! It’s crucial to take some time every day to get some exercise and get your heart rate pumping, even if it’s just for 15-20 minutes. While you may not want to do a workout in the middle of the day, remember to take a break every few hours to stretch your legs. You’d be surprised at the difference a short walk to a truck stop can make on your energy levels!
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