Does anyone have any tips to changing your sleep pattern? TIA~

That's a tough one. I run all kinds of hrs and I've found sleeping during the day difficult since all my life I usually slept at night and my sleep clock is patterned that way.

I've talked with many drivers and the most common solution I've heard is to use sleep aids (drugs). The most common is Tylenol PM. I take Simply Sleep which is the same thing without the ibuprofen. For me it takes about an hour to kick in and then lasts about 7 hrs. Other aids for me is to keep cab cool and dark, run a fan to drown out noises and to read (preferably something boring) for about 30 minutes.

It takes time out OTR to get used to modifying your sleeping habits. I get into periods where i sleep daytimes and run nites..dont like it---but freight dictates it when its needed. My body seems to adjust and does Ok when just 4 hrs actual sleep during 10 hr downtimes, so that i feel rested. But when i do get home, I can sleep for 10+ hrs 1st day back! Also, if possible, pull furthest away from fuel island and in/out traffic at TS to get better sleep..

tylenol pm-- and time
take small naps when ya get real tired---only 20-30 minutes so ya can stay on a routine
ear plugs help when teaming

All the years I've driven, my body dictatea the hours I sleep. About 3a.m. my body says "sleep" I've learned to listen to it. I take a nap from about 3-6 even on a all nighter. My boss knows this and schedules me for about 8 a.m. drops. It works! no matter what I do at 3 a.m. the truck shuts down.

NOt driven yet - but military time counts in his regard, I think.

Roadkill is probably closest to what I do.. Dark, noise to cover outside noises (I prefer music - Black Sabbath, Led Zep or B.O.C. work fine ), Cool air (but warm under blankets) and read. In fact, I can fall asleep quickly just by lying on my side with a book in front of me. The rest of the trimmings are to KEEP me asleep. I'm not sure I need them, though - I used to sleep 3 feet away from a Heat 'n' Beat - barely aware of it.

I tend to sleep 6 hours a day, with a 30 minute nap about 8 hours after I wake up from the longer sleep. If you can operate that way, it's a lot easier to move the sleep period around than if you need 8 - or even 10 hours of sleep.

I stay the heck away from drugs - of any nature (I pitch a whine when the Doc prescribes 'em, too.) NO caffeine ! Bad stuff! If you need caffeine to get through the day, you are not getting enough sleep.

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Keep the big doors at the back!

Keep it as dark as you can and as quiet as possible. No caffeine (as has been stated already).

Of course if you park at areas that have lot lizards banging on the doors none of these things will work. Good luck.

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Knowledge is Power

Thanks for the suggestions. I didnt want to have to use a drug, but I guess I may have to until my body gets used to sleeping at different times of the day/night. Ill try the Tylenol PM or something similiar.

I do keep it dark and quiet when trying to sleep when I 'cant', but something like another driver setting the brakes will wake me up. I 'try' to plan my loads so Im running during the day, but that doesnt work all the time...and has probally costed me miles too.

Tylenol PM or Excedrin PM work great!

Lot's of our drivers take these when they have to sleep during the day.

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Just curious, how about an occasional night at a motel ?? Look out for yourself and get your personal battery recharged now and again. Dollar'$ out of pocket are an obvious downside ... but some may see it as money well spent?? Budget it in to your "cost of doing business" just like clothing, work boots, etc. ?


Anyone out there reading this thread that does this? Thanks.