How to avoid sleeping/dozing off in the seat next to the driver when we are on a long journey?

Question

Hi,

I have a very bad habit of dozing off during long journeys in the car within one hour of the start of the journey and I am afraid this has become a very bad habit ..sitting right next to my husband while he is driving.

We are moving from IL to CA and we will be travelling by car. I am desperately seeking good advice to stay awake while my husband is driving.(I dont drive). Does any anti-sleeping pill exist or if you have any WORKABLE suggestions, I would appreciate that.

Thanks and cheers,

April

Answer 1

caffiene works well for me.

drink coke or coffee.

Answer 2

well I love to drive my car every where and especially when i drive long distances, like from California to North Carolina or to good old Texas.  But the thing that i find that works the best is 5 hour energy that comes in a bottle, they sell it at the gas stations or you can try feeding him or playing games while he drives.  Reading a book also helps and try to get break the drive into 12 hour drives or if he is like me 20 hour drive and rest.  Be safe and take care of each other. laters :)

Answer 3

It has usually been my job to keep the driver awake during long trips.  What I usually do is find stuff to talk about.  But not just about me.  I try to ask questions that keep his mind working as well so he doesn't feel bored just listening.  You might want to try to come up with some games or something that could keep you both occupied for a while.  If all else fails I say crank up the music and sing to your hearts' delight.

Good luck with the move!

Answer 4

you could either turn on the radio and make sure its loud enough. You could leave your window open to have the rushing air keep you awake and alert. You could turn on the air conditioner if the weather is warm. You could take a break every once in a while at a rest stop. Try not to travel alone as it will be more quiet and easier to fall asleep. Stop at a hotel or motel to get a nights sleep. Try and have a conversation. Drink some coffee or energy drink to keep you awake.

Answer 5

1.) Turning up the radio is an obvious idea, but you need to do more than that. Pick a station with music that you enjoy, and sing loudly! If you’re tired, the radio will eventually just become background noise in your mind. But if you are are interacting (singing) with what you are hearing, you will stay more alert and attentive.

2.) Keep the heat away!! Warm air will make you more sleepy. If it’s summertime and very hot outside, turn your air conditioner on high, and aim the vents right on you. If it’s wintertime, roll down your window and let the cold air in. We all know that it’s tough to fall asleep when we’re cold and uncomfortable. You may get a slight cold or chapped skin, but so what. It’s better than the alternative if you were to fall asleep while driving.

3.) Stop and walk around for a few minutes. Stop somewhere where it’s bright...a store, a reststop, a gas station. You don’t need to go for a lengthy jog. Just get out and walk around a while. Enjoy the fresh air. Talk to somebody nearby about the weather. Get your brain going and your senses more alert.

4.) Eat and drink a lot. Yes, eating a big meal can make us tired. But if you are constantly moving your hands to eat food or drinking something cold, you’re being active. That’s what you need to do. Sitting in a carseat doing nothing but driving is what everyone should do, but when you are fighting to stay awake, you need to be active. Eating and drinking (not alcohol, of course) are ways to be active.

5.) This may sound silly, but drink a lot and don’t stop to go to the bathroom. Think of how uncomfortable it is to fall asleep when you have to go to the bathroom. Enough said on that.