6 Surprising Habits Making You Tired Behind the Wheel

If Friday rolls around and you’re planning a quick trip out of town to the mountains or the beach, you’ll want to make sure you have enough energy for the ride. You’d be surprised by everything that will make you tired when you jump behind the wheel.

Not Drinking Enough Water

Even a mild level of dehydration can change your mood. Mental functions and energy levels can also decrease if your body isn’t properly hydrated. With less water in your system, your blood volume can lower, making your body work harder for nutrients and oxygen and causing fatigue. Counteract this by carrying water with you and sipping throughout the day. Pack an extra bottle for the ride.

Drinking Alcohol at Night

While alcohol can make you tired, it can also impact the quality of your sleep. A nightcap or glass of wine can cause you to sleep lighter and wake more frequently during the night. As a result, you wake up tired rather than well-rested. For a few nights before you plan to drive, have a glass of milk instead of alcohol at bedtime to have a better impact on your nightly sleep.

Cell Phones and TV at Night

Blue light emitted from cell phones and televisions inhibit melatonin production, making it more difficult to fall asleep. Using your phone at night just before bed can actually keep you awake and cause feelings of restlessness and fatigue. For a better night’s sleep, give the TV and phone a rest after 9 p.m. and place your phone face down after you set your alarm.

Not Enough Exercise

If you think you’re conserving energy by skipping your workout, you’re actually doing the opposite. Your body will feel even more tired without a simple 20-minute workout. Three days of short workouts each week will combat fatigue and give you more energy. The week of your trip, be sure to get in a walk, jog, or quick trip to the gym so you can keep your energy up for the entire ride.

Prescription Medication Effects

Certain prescription medications can cause lethargy and drowsiness. Some blood pressure meds are designed to block adrenaline hormones, which decreases the activity of the heart and causes additional feelings of tiredness. If you’re taking a new prescription, check with your doctor about any concerns you may have regarding side effects. The doctor could prescribe an alternative medicine or something to help with the lethargy. It’s best not to make long road trips until you’ve got this resolved.

Caffeine Crash

While caffeine is a popular stimulant, your body will remind you that for every up, there’s always a down. The caffeine sends signals to your body to produce adrenalin to keep your brain awake and alert. Once the adrenalin wears off, you could feel irritable and drowsy. To avoid caffeine affecting your sleep, limit your intake to small amounts and drink it early enough in the day to regulate your levels before heading to bed. This will help you get a full night’s sleep before taking any road trips.

Use these tips to keep your body more energetic and vibrant in the afternoon and evening and keep yourself safer behind the wheel.

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Image via Flickr by Rob Wilko

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