How to Stay Awake While Driving?
2 Answers
Here are solutions for drowsy driving: Listen to the radio instead of music: When playing music in the car, drivers should avoid overly soothing songs. Turning on the radio with hosts' banter and news broadcasts can stimulate thinking and excite brain nerves. Chew sugar-free gum: Chewing sugar-free, minty, and slightly sour gum keeps the mouth active and the body engaged. It can enhance the driver's positive emotions and sensations. Apply cooling oil to the nose: Applying cooling oil to the nose and inhaling it directly stimulates the brain, helping to ward off sleepiness. Drink energy drinks: Keeping beverages like Red Bull or coffee, which contain caffeine, in the car can help refresh and awaken the mind. Drink saltwater: To address the common issue of drowsiness during summer highway driving, doctors recommend drinking 500~1000ml of sugar-salt water before departure to replenish lost fluids and electrolytes from sweating.
I have plenty of experience with drowsy driving when my eyelids feel like they're fighting. The worst thing on long trips is getting groggy. As soon as I start feeling sleepy, I immediately roll down the window—fresh air blowing on my face works wonders, and the chilly breeze really wakes me up. I also keep some menthol balm handy to dab on my temples; when it kicks in, it feels like a rush to the top of my head. If I really can't stay awake, pulling over at a rest stop for a quick 10-minute nap does wonders—don’t think toughing it out is safer. Adjusting your sitting posture helps too—sit up straight and turn on the interior reading light; the change in light can help reduce drowsiness. I recommend listening to upbeat rock music and humming along—it keeps your mind from wandering, but keep the volume low so it doesn’t interfere with road awareness. For long drives, it’s best to have some spicy snacks or extra-strong mint gum on hand; alternating between them to stimulate your taste buds surprisingly works well for staying alert.
