5 Best Ways to Stay Awake While Driving a Truck

Long hours behind the wheel leave you struggling to stay awake. But with miles left to go and deliveries waiting, you grab some cold water, pump up the music, and power through. Sounds familiar? Every trucker has been there. 

Drowsy driving is a regular part of life for long-haul drivers, thanks to those endless hours and the pressure of tight deadlines. And it’s a huge risk, because drowsy driving is the reason behind those yearly 91,000 crashes resulting in 50,000 injuries and 800 tragic deaths. As a truck driver prioritizing safety, pinpointing and using the best way to stay awake while driving is paramount. We will be talking about it below, sharing 5 useful tips for staying awake while driving. Keep reading. 

How to Stay Awake While Driving Long Distances

How to figure out that you are too sleepy to keep on driving? We’ve shared some warning signals to watch for below:

• Constant yawning or blinking.
• Feeling like you’re about to doze off.
• Head getting too heavy.
• Forgetting chunks of the road.
• Missing signs or exits.
• Driving too close to others.
• Veering into the wrong lane or hitting those rumble strips.

Microsleeps, those 4-5 second naps, are even scarier. At 55 mph, you could cover 100 yards before snapping back awake. All in all, catching those early signs of tiredness lets you know exactly when to stop driving and protect yourself and others from danger.

We’ve shared 5 best tricks to stay awake while driving below. Feel free to make the most of them when keeping on driving is the only option you have.

1. Catch Up on Sleep Before Driving

To help you stay alert while driving, you should keep a steady sleep routine. While most people aim for 7 to 9 hours, truckers often benefit from a solid 10 hours. To improve your sleep, try to avoid heavy meals before bedtime, go easy on screens, and consider taking melatonin if you need help drifting off for a restful, uninterrupted night.

2. Drink Plenty of Water, Not Coffee

You need to stay hydrated all the time to keep drowsy driving at bay. Avoid sugary drinks, which can leave you feeling even more drained. Water is the best choice for keeping you sharp and awake — and that’s the best answer to the “What do truck drivers take to stay awake?” question. Consider getting a portable water bottle or hydroflask to bring along on your trips. And steer clear of coffee, too — not at all the best energy drink to stay awake while driving.

3. Work Out on a Regular Basis

We understand your struggle: how can you squeeze in exercise on the road? For truck drivers, every minute is precious when you’re focused on quick and safe deliveries. But don’t forget about those 10-15 minute breaks you have between stops. Even a quick walk around the truck stop or a few laps around your rig can make a difference. A bit of exercise gets your heart racing and keeps you sharp — so give it a try when you have a few extra minutes. You’ll be amazed by the awesome results this answer to your “How do truck drivers stay awake?” question brings.

4. Pump Up the Volume

E-books and streaming sites have made finding great music and podcasts on the go a cakewalk. Follow these audio tips from our experts on how to stay awake when driving.

• Music. Sing along to your favorite music — it’s one of the best ways to stay awake while driving. 

Check out new music or occasionally shake up your playlist to have fun and stay awake behind the wheel.

• Podcasts. Podcasts are everywhere these days, and the topics they cover are close to endless. Fancy true crime stories, tasty cooking tips, or the latest news? You can bet there’s something out there that you’ll love. With so much content available, you can discover new things or explore your passions while driving.
• Audiobooks. Want to finally finish that novel you’ve been meaning to read? Or are you ready to revisit an old favorite? With audiobooks, you can soak up stories while driving, keeping your focus on the road. Just be sure to pick a lively narrator — no one wants a snooze-fest while enjoying a good book.

So, how many hours can you stay awake as a truck driver, by the way? The federal rules claim truckers can’t work over 14 hours a day. They can drive for 11 of those hours, but they have to take a solid 10-hour break first. A fact to bear in mind: at least 8 hours should be spent relaxing in a comfy sleeper to recharge their batteries.

5. Let the Fresh Air In

If you’re fighting sleepiness on a long drive, fresh air may be the perfect remedy. Stuck on a tight schedule? No problem — just roll down your window. The change in temperature, sounds, and smells can wake you up faster than you think.

Last but not least, you should eat healthy all the time! Life on the road often leads to a love for fast food, and that can really wear you out. While it may seem like a boring tip to hear, it’s really important for drivers to think about. Big meals can make you feel sleepy, just like that post-Thanksgiving slump we all know. It may feel tricky to eat smaller meals without taking too many breaks, but it’s doable.

Prep your meals and keep healthy snacks handy. We’ve shared some simple changes you can make:

• Break 2-3 meals into 4-5 smaller ones for more steady energy.
• Keep a regular eating routine.
• Try to skip fast food. Instead, bring an apple or a salad for lunch instead of hitting up a drive-thru.

Remember, you won’t change your diet overnight. Start small, and make little changes to see what works best for you.

Conclusion: Focus on Balancing Safety and Sleep

When all is said and done, one question is looming: is staying up for 24 hours safe? Naturally, the answer is “No”. Fatigue will creep in and cloud your judgment. This, in its turn, can lead to dangerous situations on the road. With that said, always schedule your driving hours so you can catch some quality sleep. 

To conclude, staying alert is super important for truck drivers. So, how do truckers stay awake? The smartest ones stick to a sleep routine, stay hydrated, and eat healthy on a regular basis. Fresh air and catchy tunes are game-changers, too. And understanding how do truck drivers sleep is just as important. Follow tips from our experts on how to stay awake driving and you are guaranteed to balance safety and sleep as well as handle those long hours on the road. Safe bestway driving to you guys!