As we've been writing on this blog lately, there are long-term [1] and short-term [2] practices to remain alert and avoid becoming drowsy on the road.
The long-term practices are to get a good, healthy diet; sleep on a regular schedule, at least 7 hours a night (or day, if you work the graveyard shift); and exercise regularly to stay physically fit.
The short-term practices are more detailed. And we can all take a hint from truck drivers, who are experts in driving long distances and staying awake.
Underlying both the short-term and long-term practices is judicious use of caffeine. If you rely too much on caffeine, one study finds [3], you run the risk of crashing. For truckers who get a good, healthy amount of caffeine, another study found [4], they can avoid crashes and save lives.
We wanted to know how to stay awake on long overnight drives. Who would know better than a truck driver?
First we should say that experts on sleep say you should not be driving from midnight to 6 a.m., when you are more likely to become drowsy. Drowsiness is a major cause of automobile accidents.