Scientists have proven that after four hours of continuous driving, a driver’s reaction decreases by two times, and after nine hours, it decreases by seven times. That’s why it’s essential to learn how to combat drowsiness. In this article, we will discuss ten ways to overcome sleepiness and safely reach your destination.
- Communication
Conversations with a passenger are an effective way to stimulate brain activity. The key is that they shouldn’t distract you from the road. A passenger can also notice your drowsiness in time and help you overcome it. If the passenger is also nodding off, stop to rest, as this is a sure sign of fatigue, and a sleeping passenger won’t be able to help. - Music
If you are alone in the car, listening to upbeat music can help. Energetic and uplifting tracks are better than calm but beloved classical music. - Singing
If listening to music doesn’t have the desired effect, try singing along loudly. Engaging your brain with lyrics stimulates it while simultaneously increasing oxygen levels in your blood, which boosts your body’s tone and alleviates drowsiness. - Toning Drinks
Tea, coffee, and hot chocolate can be helpful on the road. However, their effects can vary from person to person: some might feel energized from half a cup of coffee, while others may not feel much difference even after three cups.
It’s important to remember that this effect is short-lived, so after about two hours, the stimulating effect of coffee will diminish.
- Energy Drinks
These beverages contain caffeine and are enriched with vitamins, taurine, beneficial acids, and other stimulating compounds. The result is a mixture that energizes better and longer than coffee. Just be careful not to overdo it, as large amounts of energy drinks can harm your body. - Energy Tablets
They have the same composition as energy drinks but differ in physical form. Due to their compactness, it’s easier to take a pack of tablets with you than a bottle of energy drink. - Food
Snacking on crackers, nuts, candies, and other small edibles can also help boost your energy levels during the drive. Just be mindful of moderation, as fullness can lead to drowsiness. - Fatigue Alerts
Some cars are already equipped with special fatigue alert devices. They monitor the driver’s behavior and emit a loud sound if, for instance, the driver veers into oncoming traffic or onto the shoulder without signaling. Such situations often happen when a driver is dozing off. If your car doesn’t have such a system, you can buy a fatigue alert device at an auto goods store. It operates on a similar principle. - Attention Concentration
Concentrating your attention helps divert from sleep. Set tasks for yourself and solve them: identify car brands, count the posts, etc. - Changing Physical State
Methods that help include:
- Exercises like muscle tension, shaking your head, etc.
- Changing the temperature in the car.
- Wiping your face with a damp cloth or splashing cold water on your face.
- A light massage of your earlobes or eyeballs.
Each of these methods is beneficial, but we recommend not driving long distances at night unless absolutely necessary. This will reduce the risk of an accident.