Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 4: Get energy before a long ride
• Method 2 of 4: Stay alert with food and drink
• Method 3 of 4: Stay alert in other ways
• Method 4 of 4: Staying safe
• Warnings

When you have to drive long distances, it is very normal to feel tired (especially at night). If you find yourself unable to stay awake, make sure you have enough energy before the long drive by taking a short nap. While on the go, have a caffeinated drink and small, healthy snacks. You can also listen to music or radio programs to stay alert. If you are too tired to drive, find a parking space and take a nap. It is very dangerous to drive if you are unable to stay awake.

To step

Method 1 of 4: Get energy before a long ride

1. Take a nap before hitting the road. A short nap of twenty minutes can recharge you before driving. If you have a long road ahead, try to take some time out to get some sleep. Even less than an hour of sleep can give you the rest you need to stay alert while driving.
2. Eat a healthy meal. Food gives your body the energy it needs to keep going. You need a healthy meal before driving. Opt for energy-rich foods that will give you the strength to stay awake during the long hours on the road.
   • Choose complex carbohydrates and proteins. Whole grains and lean protein, such as turkey and chicken, can keep you alert during the long hours on the road.
   • Avoid ready-to-eat foods, such as fast food, or anything with a lot of sugar or processed carbohydrates. Such foods are likely to give you an energy dip shortly after eating.
3. Take vitamins. Vitamin B and C give you energy. Take a vitamin B or C tablet after a healthy meal. This can help you stay awake on a long car ride.
   • Talk to your doctor before taking vitamins regularly so you know which dose is safe for you. Also, make sure that the vitamins you take don't interact with existing medications.
4. Choose the right times to drive. If you can decide for yourself when you want to drive, choose that time when you have the most energy. Pay attention to when you naturally have energy spikes and dips during the day, and plan to ride when you are most energetic.
   • For example, if you don't really wake up and feel fit around 9 a.m., plan to start driving around that time of day.

Method 2 of 4: Stay alert with food and drink

1. Have 100 calorie snacks. Bites of about 100 calories help to wake you up and provide just enough nutrition to combat fatigue. Anything over 100 calories can cause a dip after eating it, so opt for healthy 100-calorie snacks while driving.
   • Sunflower seeds are often sold in 100-calorie packs and can keep you energized. Always have a few packs of sunflower seeds with you and eat them as needed while driving.
2. Drink caffeine. A cup of coffee contains about 75 milligrams of caffeine. This is enough to wake you up while driving and keep you alert. Have a cup of coffee if you find yourself getting tired. This should give you an extra shock to continue.
   • Note if there are petrol stations or roadhouses along the way. When you feel tired, park in one of these places and have a cup of coffee. In addition, you can stretch your legs when you are not behind the wheel and even sleep a little longer if you want.
3. Chew gum. This will keep your mouth busy. Having something to keep you busy can help you stay focused and awake. Make sure you have a few packs of gum with you for the long journey. If you start to get a little drowsy, chew on some gum.
   • Do choose sugar-free gum. Chewing gum with sugar can cause sugar dip, making you more tired afterwards.
4. Watch your portion size. If you need to stop for a bite to eat, choose small portions. Large, heavy meals can cause a dip and make you tired. Take small portions and small meals when you stop and eat light foods in the roadhouse. A few small meals will keep you more energetic than one or two large meals.
   • For example, you can have half of a sandwich at one stop and, when you get hungry again, stop somewhere to have the other half of your sandwich.
   • Don't forget to eat foods that are too energy-dense, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.

Method 3 of 4: Stay alert in other ways

1. Take a nap during a stop on the way. If you get tired while driving, stop by the side of the road and take a nap. A short nap of fifteen to twenty minutes can recharge your brain and give you the stamina you need to keep driving. Find a safe place to stop and take a 15-20 minute nap.
   • Choose a spot that is far enough away from the main road so that you cannot be hit by other traffic. Also choose a place that is not too isolated, such as a parking space near a gas station, for your own safety.
   • Set your alarm. You don't want a 20-minute nap to turn into an hour.
   EXPERT TIP

   Put your music at 90 decibels. If you're feeling a bit dull, use your car's stereo to your advantage. Put the music at least at 90 decibels. This must be disturbing enough to wake up your body.

   • Check whether the car radio indicates decibels. If not, just try to guess. Turn up your car's stereo until you notice the sound waking you up.
   • However, only do this for a short period of time when you are tired. Listening to music at this loudness by default can damage your hearing.
2. If you can, travel with someone. If it is possible, bring someone else with you if you have to drive for several hours. If you have a co-driver in the car, you can stay more alert because you can take turns getting behind the wheel. If you feel very tired, let the other person drive for a while.
3. Open a window. The cool sensation of cold wind on your face can wake you up again. If you find yourself getting tired, open a window for a few minutes. In addition to having a cooling effect, it will also produce a lot of background noise. This will prevent you from dozing off.
4. Find media to dispel boredom. Listen for something you need to focus on. Listening to music for an entire journey can make you doze off. Instead, listen to something like an audiobook, podcasts, and radio shows. In doing so, you need to focus much better on the words, which will keep your attention and prevent you from dozing off.

Method 4 of 4: Staying safe

1. Recognize when you are too tired to continue driving. If you are too tired to drive safely, stop for the rest of the evening or night. Driving while tired is very dangerous and can cause accidents. If you notice any of the following, you are too tired to drive:
   • Frequent blinking and heavy eyelids
   • Difficulty keeping your head up
   • Frequent daydreaming
   • Not noticing road markings, ending up on another side of the road, tailgating
   • Difficulty remembering the last few miles you drove
2. Read drug labels carefully. Some medications can cause drowsiness. If you are on medication, read the package inserts carefully. Make sure drowsiness is not a side effect.
   • If medication does cause drowsiness, it may not be safe to use while driving. If you have any medications that you need to take regularly but cause drowsiness, talk to your doctor about how to handle driving and how to take medication.
3. Avoid driving between midnight and six in the morning. This is the period during which your circadian rhythm naturally has a dip. It is dangerous to drive during these hours because the risk of falling asleep at the wheel is much higher. If possible, avoid driving at all between midnight and six in the morning.
4. Do not drink alcohol before driving. Alcohol causes drowsiness, even in small amounts. Do not drink alcohol at all before driving.

Warnings

• In some regions you can be arrested or get a ticket for being too tired behind the wheel.