I can't stay awake while driving. Suggestions?

[Harvey]

Make sure no exhaust gasses are leaking into your car. Remember, carbon monoxide is odorless, as well as deadly.

Also, make sure you have good ventilation. I like to drive with the windows up and the air conditioning on and set on "recirculate." This is fine for short drives in the city because it keeps out exhaust fumes from deisel busses and other cars, but when you're on the road for longer periods, you have to remember to bring in a fresh oxygen supply.

 

[Schadenfreude]

I think a lot of these remedies are for people who are driving without adequate sleep - he says that he gets tired no matter how much sleep he gets -

I usually make trips down to my U. as well (I have to make at least 4 3-hour trips this week alone. Sheesh.) and this is what helps me the most - bring jolly ranchers and gum. Have you seen anyone fall asleep with something in their mouth? I havent, and IMO, this is the best cure - works even better than caffeine for me .

 

[Moonbeam]

Great point Harvey.

I can't offer any advise; I fell asleep on the bay bridge on a motorcycle comming home from UCB.

Yea, I was driving.

 

[tkdkid]

Chew gum. After the flavor runs out, get another piece.

There have been a few studies that show that chewing gum stimulates blood flow to the brain, resulting in (among other things) better driving and higher test scores. It worked well for me when I was driving about 4 hours each way to visit my g/f in college.

Other things I've found that work are sipping gatorade, eating (helps a lot), windows down (helps a little), and just pulling over for a short 15 min or so nap.

 

[Night201]

Don't drive.

 

[johnjohn320]

Anybody else find the title of this thread kinda scary?

 

[athithi]

1. 
   Change lanes regularly
   Increase speed in short bursts to get the adrenaline flowing - remember to drop back to the speed limit - basically, vary your speed
   Overtake other vehicles occasionally
   At night, don't follow the same vehicle for more than a few minutes - the red tail-lights are mesmerizing, atleast to me!
   Don't concentrate too hard on the road ahead; look around every now and then to refocus your sight
   Keep track of distance covered in small measurements - 50 miles or so
   Listen to comedy tracks on tape
   Do not listen to music in long stretches - a few minutes of silence every now and then helps me focus
   Avoid driving alone
   Try local roads where possible, or use a different route occasionally
   Do not use Cruise Control for long durations
   Do not make yourself too comfortable in your seat - if a little back pain can keep you awake at night, it can keep you awake in your car too
   Wear loose comfortable clothing and sandals instead of shoes - a little cool air to your feet can keep you awake
   In the worst of cases, bite your tongue or lip hard, but not hard enough to draw blood
   Don't push yourself. Know when you are beaten and stop for a break!

 

[Vennon]

I always eat sunflower seeds, drink cold water, and sing to my favorite music as loud as I can, keeps me awake for hours in the car.

 

[Fixxors]

I have the same problem and have recently found out what causes it. For me, its sleep apnea. Perhaps you have the same problem or a different sleep disorder. I can sleep from 10 at night till noon the next day, but because apnea keeps me from reaching REM sleep, i can still get drowsy while driving or any time I'm relaxed. When I get into that falling asleep funk someone could smack me in the crotch with good ole sledgeomatic and i prolly wouldnt be able to shake it. Ever wake up gasping for air? Do you snore? Wake up a lot to go pee? Have heartburn in bed? May wanna look into how well you are sleeping. THere are many levels of sleep. Lots of folks never actually get good sleep, and never realize theres a reason they are so tired all the time.