9 things you can do to ensure you don’t doze off while driving

Updated Apr 30, 2019
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Professional drivers know that a thorough pre-trip inspection of their truck and trailer is one of the most important things they can do to ensure their safety and that of the motorists with whom they share the road.

They also know that performing a personal pre-trip assessment of themselves is even more important. And, at the top of that list is, “Did you get a good night’s sleep, and are you can you stay awake enough to drive safely all day?”

The American Sleep Association says between 50 and 70 million Americans have some sort of sleep disorder.The American Sleep Association says between 50 and 70 million Americans have some sort of sleep disorder.

To be sure you can answer yes to both parts of that question a driver needs to have gotten good, restful sleep at home, in a hotel or in their truck’s sleeper berth before hitting the road. That’s often easier said than done given the demands, routine and regulations of a driver’s day.

The American Sleep Association says between 50 and 70 million Americans have some sort of sleep disorder. Important to truckers, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says about one in every 25 adults has fallen asleep at the wheel in the last month. And, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), driving while sleepy was thought to be the cause of over 72,000 accidents, and more than 800 fatalities in 2013.

There are things you can do to not become one of those statistics. The folks at WebMD suggest:

  • Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day
  • Creating a relaxing bedtime routine to get your body and mind ready to go sleep
  • Making sure your bedroom — or sleeper berth — is dark, quiet, cool, and comfortable
  • Avoiding caffeinated beverages within six to eight hours of bedtime
  • Avoiding big meals close to when you crawl into bed
  • Exercising at least 20 minutes each day, at least six hours before bedtime
  • Reading or listening to soft music can help you drift off to sleep
  • Not watching TV, streaming video on your tablet or smartphone
  • Starting a sleep diary to track what affects your rest if you feel you are not getting enough sleep

Of course, doing these things are not easy for a truck driver, especially those who are over the road and sleeping in their trucks. Even the best truck stop is likely to be noisy, and your driving schedule can, at times, impinge on your sleep routine.

However, being conscientious about getting enough sleep is as important as being sure your truck and trailer are in good working order each day.