1: Be well rested before hitting the road. If you have several
nights in a row of fewer than 7–8 hours of sleep, your reaction
time slows. Restoring that reaction time to normal often takes
more than 1 night of good sleep, because your sleep debt
accumulates after each night you lose sleep. It may take
several nights of being well rested to repay that sleep debt
and ensure that you are ready for driving on a long road trip.
2: Avoid driving between midnight and 7 a.m. Unless you are
accustomed to being awake then, this period of time is when
we are naturally the most tired.
3: Don’t drive alone. A companion who can keep you engaged
in conversation might help you stay awake while driving.
4: Schedule frequent breaks on long road trips. If you feel
sleepy while driving, pull off the road and take a nap for
15–20 minutes.
5: Don’t drink alcohol. Just one beer when you are sleep
deprived will affect you as much as two or three beers
when you are well rested.
6: Don’t count on caffeine. Although drinking a cola or a cup
of coffee might help keep you awake for a short time, it won’t
overcome excessive sleepiness or relieve a sleep debt.
7: Opening a window or turning up the radio won’t help you stay
awake while driving. Be aware of these warning signs that you
are too sleepy to drive safely: trouble keeping your eyes
focused, continual yawning, or being unable to recall driving the
last few miles. Remember, if you are short on sleep, stay out of
the driver’s seat!
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