Sleepy when driving???

[caseysmom]

I just got back from a road trip and just wondering if anyone else has this problem. I have always done the driving or at least the last ten years because my husband gets sleepy when he drives, he is 9 years older than me. The last few road trips now I get sleepy even when I have enough sleep. I drank coffee, etc. This is really upsetting because I love road trips but don't want to be a danger. I remember a few years ago reading that people being sleepy is more dangerous than drunk drivers or just as many accidents etc. Is this a 50+ issue? Maybe I am more tired since I help so much with the twins I don't know but it sucks I plan on taking my granddaughters all kinds of places but not if its dangerous.

[cassiesmom]

I used to attend my college homecoming every year, stay until late in the evening and drive home (about 70 miles, mostly on the highway). There were a few years when I would get home and realize I had no recollection of driving on the highway - like, how did I get home?! I was a lot younger then and not afraid to drive home late at night, and I never drank before I made the trip home. Now I either come back earlier in the evening or stay the night and come home in the morning.

When I worked midnights, there were a lot of evenings when I would get in the car at 10 PM to go to work, start the car and the radio would come on at a super-high volume from my trip home in the morning. I don't miss those mornings!

Can you take a break during your trips with your granddaughters? Couple of hours, and then you stop for even a short break? Or take turns driving, maybe? Hope you figure it out so you can enjoy trips with your grandchildren.

[Karen]

I just got back from a road trip and just wondering if anyone else has this problem. I have always done the driving or at least the last ten years because my husband gets sleepy when he drives, he is 9 years older than me. The last few road trips now I get sleepy even when I have enough sleep. I drank coffee, etc. This is really upsetting because I love road trips but don't want to be a danger. I remember a few years ago reading that people being sleepy is more dangerous than drunk drivers or just as many accidents etc. Is this a 50+ issue? Maybe I am more tired since I help so much with the twins I don't know but it sucks I plan on taking my granddaughters all kinds of places but not if its dangerous.

Have you had a check-up lately? Might be something to ask about, as fatigue when stationary (like sitting to drive for long periods of time) may be an indicator of something!

[Catty1]

A sleep test might be in order. Ask your doctor.

I used to drive a lot as a musician. The coffee/cola jolt stopped working after a few years -I would "crash". What worked better for me is staying hydrated - lots of water - and food with few carbs. Protein or nuts as a snack.

Hope you get an answer soon!

[BitsyNaceyDog]

Is it that you're truly tired and need to rest, or are you just really relaxed and you body is interpenetrating relaxed as sleepy? I often feel really relaxed when I drive, to the point I feel sleepy. I try to listen to upbeat music, something I can sing along to. We often listen to audio books too. If it's a longer drive I like to munch on granola or something similar. Those things help keep me alert.

[caseysmom]

Well Jasmine went home to her mom and I slept 11 hours I think I was just worn out but when I was younger i could handle it better.

[pomtzu]

Perhaps it's just that you find driving more boring than you used to, or the routes have been driven so many times that you could almost drive them with your eyes closed. Boredom can definitely lull you into a sleepy state.

[caseysmom]

Perhaps it's just that you find driving more boring than you used to, or the routes have been driven so many times that you could almost drive them with your eyes closed. Boredom can definitely lull you into a sleepy state.

Could be I5 connects northern california to southern california and its basically a straight 4 lane highway of nothing the twisty roads from the coast kept me awake but I get sleepy at my desk in the afternoons too and that is boredom too.

[Jessika]

This happens to me sometimes; back when I was in school I would sometimes find myself fighting to stay awake while driving home in the afternoon/evening on the highway. Some times I wouldn't even recall entire stretches of the trip (muscle memory ftw?!?!). This scared me. I would generally get plenty of sleep beforehand, too. I do think it has a lot to do with just being "bored" of the drive home. Sometimes if I would start to get sleepy, I would turn my music up and sing along loudly. Loud music alone wasn't enough for me, I had to be actively involved with it. As silly as I'm sure I looked to other motorists, it did help :)

[caseysmom]

This happens to me sometimes; back when I was in school I would sometimes find myself fighting to stay awake while driving home in the afternoon/evening on the highway. Some times I wouldn't even recall entire stretches of the trip (muscle memory ftw?!?!). This scared me. I would generally get plenty of sleep beforehand, too. I do think it has a lot to do with just being "bored" of the drive home. Sometimes if I would start to get sleepy, I would turn my music up and sing along loudly. Loud music alone wasn't enough for me, I had to be actively involved with it. As silly as I'm sure I looked to other motorists, it did help :)

Well if I was alone I would have definetely done that but my granddaughter was watching bubble guppies and I needed her entertained! I think I will make sure I always take starbucks double shots with me the starbucks regulars didn't do the trick.

[Karen]

My best defense against driving while tired used to be simple - to not eat beforehand - hunger is a great motivator to stay awake!

[caseysmom]

My best defense against driving while tired used to be simple - to not eat beforehand - hunger is a great motivator to stay awake!

Thats a good idea too I did eat a piece of pizza before we left for home.

[Jessika]

Well if I was alone I would have definetely done that but my granddaughter was watching bubble guppies and I needed her entertained! I think I will make sure I always take starbucks double shots with me the starbucks regulars didn't do the trick.
Well pop in one of her kid's CDs and sing along to it with her ;)

[Taz_Zoee]

Could be I5 connects northern california to southern california and its basically a straight 4 lane highway of nothing the twisty roads from the coast kept me awake but I get sleepy at my desk in the afternoons too and that is boredom too.

We just got home from So Cal last night. And it is a BORING drive! Anytime I am driving Bruce always falls asleep, but this time he was reading out loud to me and it was making me sleepy too. I had to get some gum to chew on to help keep me alert.
I also just got home from getting the dogs from my moms and brothers house. That is a boring drive too, but much shorter than the I5 drive.
I find gum, or singing to the music helps keep me awake. And cold air blowing in my face too.