How to Stay Awake on a Long Trip

Traveling while tired is never a fun experience, whether you had a late night at work or are coming home a bit later from a friend's house than you thought. Plus, it is an extremely unsafe thing to do. According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Board, fatigue is one factor behind the 100,000 car crashes caused by drowsy drivers each year. If you can avoid traveling while tired, do so at any cost. Stay at a friend's, or pull over into a hotel. But if you have to continue on your path, there are a few tips to keeping yourself awake and alert.

Music can help stimulate the brain . Something loud and upbeat is the best. I personally toss in a Rocky soundtrack c.d., hearing that beat wakes me right up. Sing along or nod to the beat will help keep you awake during your trip. But beware not all music will keep you awake, soft rock or classical music can actually help you doze off. So be wise with the chose of music you select and do not rely on the radio for a guaranteed awaking experienced. Make a mix tape or c.d. ahead of time if you know your going on a long trip or make one as a just in case situation.

Keep the car cold. Warm and comfortable reminds us of our bed. So keep the car cold by opening the windows or turning on the air conditioning. The cold weather will help keep your body alert. Anything that will make you uncomfortable will keep you from nodding off. So keep that temperature chilly in your car to keep you body working hard to keep you warm. If your body is working hard you will more than likely stay awake.

Do exercises in the car. If you stay in one position for a long period of time your body starts to go into sleep mode. But if you keep active even as you drive it will help your body stay awake. Shrugging or rolling your shoulders will not only help your shoulders but help wake you up. Arms and shoulders get tense being locked in only a few positions. Shack your head or roll your neck while at traffic lights and stop signs. This will loosing your neck up and keep it from stiffening up. Again at a traffic light or stop light you can shake your hands and stretch those arms out. Last but not least, those legs, if you can get up and stretch out do so but if you can not the leg you are not driving with can get a stretch. So the leg you are not driving with you can lift your knee and extend and flex your ankle. Doing any little movements will help keep you awake.

So if your traveling long distances or just a late night and your tired do what you can to stay awake. Again if you can get off the road do so but if not do these tips to help you stay wide awake