Our brains often play tricks by gradually making our eyelids heavy to signal rest. Even after sufficient sleep, we may feel drowsy, inactive, lose concentration, and experience microsleep, which is very dangerous. On long, straight drives, cool air, a recent lunch, or pleasant music can trigger sleepiness. What methods can eliminate this drowsiness gripping your central nervous system? Here are ways to keep driving without falling asleep.
If you experience any of the following signs before microsleep, stop and rest immediately.
1. Frequent blinking
2. Heavy eyelids
3. Feeling sleepy
4. Reduced concentration
5. Slower responses to stimuli
6. Driving slower
7. Veering off course
8. Drifting off the road or hitting obstacles
1. Even if you drink strong coffee, sleepiness will return, which is dangerous. Find a safe spot to park, such as a busy service station, a government location like a police station, or a highway checkpoint, then take a 20-minute nap. Since your brain demands rest, forcing yourself to continue driving is risky and could cause you to fall asleep mid-drive, veer off the road, or hit a tree—potentially fatal. Just park and rest. You’ll wake refreshed and alert for the remainder of your journey. A 20-minute rest is far better than struggling to keep your eyes open, which only worsens sleepiness.
2. Chew on snacks if your teeth are in good condition, like nuts or crunchy Japanese fried snacks that make loud noises when chewed. Keep chewing; unless you have kidney disease, this may relieve drowsiness, though it might cause jaw fatigue because the nuts can be as hard as stones. Roasted peanuts or slightly burnt cashews work well. However, if chewing doesn’t help, find a place to nap immediately. A half-hour nap is better than continuing to drive drowsy while chewing, which could lead to an accident.
A travel companion who understands you, chats well, or can take over driving is the best solution. This way, you can nap while they drive and avoid stopping for naps along the way. Traveling alone offers freedom but when sleepiness hits, there’s no one to help except stopping to rest, washing your face, stretching, or playing upbeat music—not slow instrumental tunes that invite sleep. Remember, if you're sleepy, don’t force yourself to continue driving.