How not to fall asleep at the wheel: proven tips for drivers

Drowsy driving is a condition that can lead to a deadly situation. It only takes a split second to lose your vigilance to get into an accident. Therefore, ideally, you should never drive a car if you feel even a little sleepy. But if you can't postpone the trip, keep in mind all the effective ways to overcome drowsiness while driving.

OBOZREVATEL has collected some proven life hacks. Experienced drivers advise using these methods.

Music

Energetic music is the easiest way to cheer up when you're tired. Make yourself a playlist of songs that "rock" you the best. You can also listen to an interesting podcast or an audiobook. However, keep in mind that monotonous or relaxing tunes can make you feel even more tired.

Conversation

If you can take a travel companion with you on the road who can distract you from feeling sleepy with an interesting conversation, do so. You will have to keep the conversation going, and this will activate your brain. Also, the other person in the car can notice when your attention starts to wander and ask you to stop. Ideally, your traveling companion can even take over for you.

Energy drinks

Coffee still holds the top spot among the means to keep you awake safely and effectively. Strong tea or hot chocolate will also work. If you choose one of the carbonated energy drinks, check the dosage in advance, as excessive consumption can cause tachycardia, limb tremors, and other symptoms you don't need on the road. You can also brew yourself some lemongrass, eleutherococcus, or ginseng.

Eating

Chewing also has an invigorating effect on the brain, so take some snacks with you. Ideally, it should be something crunchy. Dark chocolate is also a great tonic snack. The main rule here is not to overeat. This does not overcome drowsiness, but provokes or aggravates it. As a last resort, opt for gum.

Flavors

The natural scents of lemon, mint, rosemary, or gardenia are used in aromatherapy to keep you awake. Make yourself a gelatin-based flavoring with a suitable essential oil. Take the gelatin and dissolve it completely in hot water and add a tablespoon of salt dissolved in a small amount of water to this liquid. Next, take a bottle, pour 10-15 drops of essential oil into it, add the dissolved gelatin, mix everything well and leave it to harden for a day.

Singing

When singing, the lungs work harder than during normal breathing, so they saturate the blood with oxygen faster. And this is a good way to invigorate. Thus, sing along to your favorite songs even if you think you have neither hearing nor voice. You're driving, not performing at a talent show, so don't be shy.

Cold

It is very easy to get warm and fall asleep in the heat. Therefore, it is better to keep the temperature in the cabin cool if you need to get through a long drive and not fall asleep.

Warm up

If you're going on a long trip, plan it so that you make stops every 2-3 hours. Rest for at least 10 minutes. Get out of the car and stretch a little. Fresh air and movement will make you feel refreshed. You should also take a moment to wash your face with cold water, which is also an effective remedy.

Discomfort

Try to adjust the chair so that you feel a little uncomfortable while driving. In this case, you will have to keep yourself in good shape and the risk of falling asleep at the wheel will decrease.

Gadgets that track your condition

There are systems that can recognize a driver's drowsy state by eye behavior, head movements, or certain driving errors, such a sudden lane change. They warn of danger and force you to stop for a rest. In new cars, such systems are built-in, but you can also buy a separate gadget.

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