Why Do I Always Feel Sleepy While Driving?
3 Answers
There are generally several possible reasons for feeling sleepy while driving: 1. Fatigue: Driving requires high levels of concentration, and prolonged driving can lead to physical fatigue, drowsiness, and lack of energy; 2. Oxygen deprivation: Poor air circulation in the car often occurs, which can easily lead to oxygen deprivation. Lack of oxygen can cause drowsiness and difficulty concentrating. In such cases, it's advisable to open the windows slightly to improve air circulation; 3. Cervical spine issues: Prolonged driving may result in incorrect sitting posture, exacerbating cervical spine problems. Cervical spine disorders can compress blood vessels and nerves, leading to insufficient blood supply to the brain, which can also easily cause drowsiness.
I often feel drowsy while driving, usually due to insufficient sleep at night. For example, working late or scrolling through my phone until midnight can lead to dozing off the next day while driving. Try adjusting your sleep schedule to ensure seven to eight hours of quality sleep each night. In the car, rolling down the window for some fresh air or turning on the AC (but not too hot) can help stay alert. For short trips, chewing gum or listening to upbeat music can help; for long drives, plan to take a 15-minute break every two hours—get out of the car to walk a bit or splash some water on your face. Safety comes first—don’t push through drowsiness while driving, as it’s a major risk for accidents. If the problem persists, it might be worth checking for chronic fatigue. From my experience, these small changes have helped me significantly reduce drowsiness.
As someone who frequently drives long distances, I've found that drowsiness while driving is often related to the driving environment. Roads that are too straight or monotonous can easily make one mentally relaxed, and poor air circulation can also increase drowsiness. I'm used to adjusting the seat to a comfortable position with proper back support to avoid slouching. During the trip, I crack the window for fresh air or listen to a storytelling radio station to divert my attention. After a while, I stop at a service area to drink some ice water and stretch my legs. Additionally, diet also has an impact—eating too much or not eating at all can cause energy levels to drop. Now I keep some nuts and snacks in the car and have a little when I'm hungry. This method is quite practical—simple adjustments can significantly improve driving safety.
