What should you do if you're driving and become sleepy? Select all that apply. What should you do if you're driving and become sleepy? Select all that apply.

  • A. Open the window

  • B. Pull over as soon as possible to a safe place

  • C. Take a short nap (15-20 minutes) in the passenger seat (or off your bike if you're on a motorbike)

  • D. Wait for 10 minutes until you start driving again after you've woken up

  • E. Speed up to keep your brain more active

  •  
    The correct answer is B, C, D
     
    Opening the window won't keep you awake, it will just give you a very temporary lift. Once you start to feel sleepy, your reactions slow and you will eventually start to take microsleeps where you close your eyes while driving. This dramatically increases your chances of having an accident.
     
 
 
 

What makes you feel sleepy when you drive?

Your natural sleep patterns: if you usually go to bed at 11pm your body will be accustomed to getting sleepy at the time. If you try to drive after this you are likely to feel sleepy.

Driving while it's dark: our bodies are conditioned to associate darkness with going to sleep. This is a particular hazard for those that drive on shifts, such as truck drivers.

Your diet: certain types of food will make you sleepy, for example, a large meal with a lot of protein and fat will make you tired. Certain foods that contain high levels of either tryptophan, tyramine or melatonin can cause drowsiness. Drinking sugary drinks can cause a spike in energy and a subsequent rapid come-down.

Inactivity in a seated position: modern vehicles are comfortable and, just as we're used to perhaps falling asleep on the couch, the fairly reclined nature of many car seats can trigger this feeling.

Mental tiredness: on a long challenging drive, mental tiredness can kick in; conversely, on a long drive with little stimulation, boredom can set in.

Over-training beforehand: prolonged exercise increases cortisol production.

Low iron: women with low iron levels can feel lethargic.

Dehydration: even as little as losing 3% of your body weight due to dehydration can cause problems concentrating when you are driving.

Certain illnesses and medical conditions: anemia, Addison's disease, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, anorexia, etc.

Lost sleep: worry, stress, a new baby, noisy neighbours and your own late night partying can cause you to lose sleep and therefore feel tired when driving.

Lack of challenges in the road: if your drive is easy and you do it regularly, there might be little that keeps your mind active during the trip.

For more information about driving tired, including what to do when driving, read this.

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