Driving in a truck might not seem physically taxing, but truck drivers have to be in excellent shape to stay safe and drive on the road for their full careers. When you’re on the road, it’s easy to zone out—and that is when accidents can start to occur. As professionals, truck drivers use many different tricks to stay awake and alert to ensure their safety and the well-being of everyone else on the road. Here are some of the tricks that show how truckers stay awake on the road.
Sleeping Consistently
Just like maintaining a consistent sleep schedule at a 9-5 job can help you to wake up on time and feel fresh in the morning, one of the answers as to how truckers stay awake is getting enough consistent sleep. Inexperienced drivers are often tempted to push themselves and rest for many short periods during the day. However, there is no replacement for a full night of sleep.
Don’t Eat Too Much
There are plenty of good eats on the road, and it can be tempting to indulge at diners and truck stops. However, eating light meals frequently is one trick as to how truckers stay awake on the road. Eating heavy food that is rich in carbs or fat can make you feel sleepy. Many drivers choose 4-5 smaller meals that are scattered throughout the day instead of the traditional 2-3 meals that many Americans eat.
Hydrate Properly
When you’re stopping at convenience stores and rest stops, it can be easy to grab a soda or juice for a quick rush of sugar. However, this can lead to crashes that leave you feeling even more tired than before. Proper hydration with water is the best way to stay awake and feel your best around the clock. Additionally, drinking water instead of soda or juice can also help you to maintain a healthy weight.
Exercise When Possible
Sitting all day can be hard on your health if you don’t exercise when you’re off the clock or on a break. One of the other tricks as to how truckers stay awake is exercising in short bursts throughout the day. Even taking 10-15 minutes to walk around the parking lot can get your blood pumping and energize you.
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