Why Do I Feel Drowsy While Driving?
2 Answers
Feeling drowsy while driving is a sign of physical fatigue. Here are some methods to improve physical fatigue while driving: Chat with a friend: When driving on the highway, try to have a companion. They may assist you during the drive, and more importantly, if the driver feels a bit drowsy, chatting with them can help dispel some of the sleepiness. If you feel sleepy, try discussing happy topics with your friend to help focus your attention and drive more attentively. Drink beverages: Before heading onto the highway, drivers can prepare some energy drinks or cold water in the car. Energy drinks help replenish energy and combat fatigue, while cold water stimulates the nerves, keeping the mind alert and maintaining vitality and focus during high-speed driving. Play music: Playing fast-paced music can excite the mind, helping to ward off drowsiness and stay awake. Adjust the car temperature: In winter, if you feel sleepy while driving on the highway, slightly opening the windows to let in cold air can stimulate the driver. In summer, setting the air conditioning to a cooler temperature can also help drive away drowsiness.
Drowsy driving is a very common issue, and I often fall victim to it during long-distance trips. The main reason is excessive physical fatigue, especially between 1 PM and 3 PM, which is the biological clock's low point and can easily make the brain feel sluggish. Add to that the monotony of highways or straight roads with little visual stimulation, and it's easy to start dozing off. Sleep deprivation is also a major problem—if you only got five or six hours of sleep the night before, you definitely won't last long behind the wheel the next day. When drowsy, reaction times slow down, vision blurs, and it becomes extremely dangerous. It's recommended to get at least 7 hours of quality sleep before driving, take a 15-minute break every two hours on the road, and get out of the car to stretch. Drinking coffee can help stay alert, but don't overdo it. Playing some upbeat music can also help maintain wakefulness—safety comes first.
