Legal Sleep Aids and Stimulants

Discussion in 'Trucking Industry Regulations' started by insipidtoast, Mar 22, 2023.

  1. insipidtoast

    insipidtoast Heavy Load Member

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    What if an officer questions a good supplement you have in the cab?

    Other than caffeine, what stimulants are okay? Maybe phenethylamine? I don't think the effect of that lasts very long though. Ginseng?

    Pharms: Provigil?

    Sleep aids: I've heard people mention diphenhydramine (benadryl). But I recall something in the regulations saying that even OTC stuff is not necessarily legal for a truck driver. Melatonin is okay other than eventual downregulation of your own melatonin. Herbal stuff: valerian, passionflower, skullcap.
    Phenibut ok or is it too similar to benzos?

    Anyone know if the kratom plant is okay? Probably not. It contains mitragynine, which is a unique opiate and not an analogue of any of the scheduled opiates as far as I know.

    I think most of these should be occasional use at best. Diphenhydramine has a very long history of use, but I don't believe in chronic use of anything.

    Other than substances:
    Does anyone use bluelight-blocking goggles?
    How about wearing a light-box (don't think that's feasible while driving)?
    These could be effective strategies for night drivers. And of course keeping a consistent sleep schedule.
     
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  3. wore out

    wore out Numbered Classic

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    You’re better off without any of that. You end up still foggy eyed after a sleep aid or a crash (not a wreck) after a stimulant. I get it it’s nothing you want to hear but truth is if you can’t do it naturally you’re better off not doing it.
     
  4. Rubber duck kw

    Rubber duck kw Road Train Member

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    Don't do what you can't. If you can't drive and stay awake stop and take a walk or a nap. Don't matter how legal it is, you do not want to have an incident and be wound up on anything even caffeine.
     
  5. roundhouse

    roundhouse Road Train Member

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    Concorde Thanks this.
  6. roundhouse

    roundhouse Road Train Member

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    This .


    For the last 15 years I’ve been getting paid to drive a normal
    Pickup truck . But recently I left one morning on a trip and about an hour into the trip I got so sleepy I couldn’t see straight.
    I pulled into a rear area and took a nap ,
    Well it’s not really a nap in the reclined drivers seat but I zonked out for 20 minutes or so , followed by a brisk walk , a Diet Coke and a snickers bar , and I was good for the rest of the trip

    it was kind of embarrassing to have to stop and take a nap after I’d only been driving for an hour , and only got out of bed at my house two hours previously , but a short nap and some caffeine and sugar is a lot cheaper than falling asleep and crashing the vehicle .


    And all those things you mentions might be over the counter but it’s gonna raise eyebrows if you have a lot of it .

    Benedryll might not raise much suspicion if it’s in a small travel size container

    but usually the inspectors don’t paw through your luggage.


    some states are trying to regulate the sale of the Kratom , especially to kids .

    it’s just a version of pot that’s not illegal for commercial drivers , yet.
     
    Bean Jr. Thanks this.
  7. Lazer

    Lazer Road Train Member

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    The last couple years I drove nites, I had a prescription for Ambian(sp). Sure helped me fall asleep quicker, and no grogginess when I woke up, or during the nite. At the time(10 years ago) it was one of the medications that was not covered under my then employer’s health insurance coverage, just paid cash for it at the pharmacy.
     
  8. tscottme

    tscottme Road Train Member

    Your body needs rest. It doesn't have a deficiency of "supplements". There is an exemption in federal law that allows supplement sellers to sale inert compounds and not break any laws. You might as well hire a psychic/tarot card reader to boost your alertness while you drive. They can sell the same pill for hair growth, liver function, leaking roofs, increase stock portfolio performance and increase your gas mileage.
     
  9. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    I've had trouble sleeping most of my life.
    Recently I found something that has really helped me get a good nights sleep.
    Started using it two weeks ago just for better health and discovered I sleep better with it.
    It's protein powder. I drink a glass of it for breakfast and a glass of it at night.
    I bought this online from Sam's Club.
    upload_2023-3-23_11-31-22.jpeg
     
    brysol01 Thanks this.
  10. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Friend of mine gave me this, which is also protein powder and it does the same; helps me get a good nights sleep. Again, a surprise that I slept better.
    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: Mar 23, 2023
    brysol01 and Lite bug Thank this.
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