Natural night owls who struggle a bit with night time driving

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by GhentSaintPeters, Sep 18, 2019.

  1. GhentSaintPeters

    GhentSaintPeters Light Load Member

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    I've always been a night time person. Always. That's just how my natural body clock is.

    be that as it is, I have discovered that while driving a truck, night time seems to put me to sleep!

    Just hours and hours of darkness, darkness, darkness, of course followed by the occasional city or town lights, followed by more pitch black darkness.

    2am - 5am seem to be especially brutal for me and I try to avoid driving during those hours.

    While I'll never be a morning person, night time driving has been a lot tougher than I expected going into this industry.

    Anybody else like this?
     
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  3. D.Tibbitt

    D.Tibbitt Road Train Member

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    Yes ive always been a night owl myself. I run flatbed so i seem to drive more during the day than id like to . but occasionaly im able to get some night time driving in. For me once the sun peaks over the eastern landscape thats when i start to get tired and delusional , usually have to hit an on ramp or rest area and get a quick nap in . once u put in some time out here u will discover that driving during the day absolutely sucks , with all the idiots on the road. U will come,to appreciate night driving . just need to build up ur stamina first.
     
  4. Intothesunset

    Intothesunset Road Train Member

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    2am to 5am is the natural rythen it seems most peoples body decides to pump you full of melitonin even regular night shift drivers have issues staying awake at those hours. Try walking, or grabbing some caffeine, and if you feel it is unavoidable grab a few winks. Then walk and get some caffeine, and a light snack like fruit.
     
  5. tarmadilo

    tarmadilo Road Train Member

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    I’m ok starting up at, say, 4 am, and I can handle days that end relatively late, like say midnight, but I find working all night like I did just a few days ago (left Dallas at 9 pm, drove to San Antonio for a 2 am delivery that took 3 hours, drove to a truck stop to sleep) just ruins me.
     
  6. WesternPlains

    WesternPlains Road Train Member

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    Yes.... I've found times it seems the brain just has to hit that REM sleep. I know, I know... not supposed to until you've been asleep for hours. But I've experienced it.
    Sometimes even a short nap will take care of it. Allow the brain to drop into REM. Then ok.
    Sometimes it takes longer.
    One night on a very tight run. I put this on the trucks stereo. Blasted it...I guarantee... you'll be bouncing in your seat before it ends.
     
  7. WesternPlains

    WesternPlains Road Train Member

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    Oh.... and.... Getting good rest helps. When on a ten. Take melatonin just before stopping. It will help with good deep rest. That helps alot when time comes you get tired.

    Also... once Free Bird gets you going....
    Love this one... lyrics of both fit driving to me... It will keep you going...

    Call me the breeze
    I keep blowin' down the road
    Well now, they call me the breeze
    I keep blowin' down the road
    I ain't got me nobody
    I don't carry me no load
    Ain't no change in the weather
    Ain't no changes in me
    Well, there ain't no change in the weather
    Ain't no changes in me
    And I ain't hidin' from nobody
    Nobody's hidin' from me
    Oh, that's the way its supposed to be
    Well, I got that green light, baby
    I got to keep movin' on
    Well, I got that green light, baby
    I got to keep movin' on
    Well, I might go out to California
    Might go down to Georgia, I don't know
    Well, I dig you Georgia peaches
    Makes me feel right at home
    Well now,…
    And if ya's anywhere near Alabama... even if ya ain't! hehe
     
  8. tscottme

    tscottme Road Train Member

    Keep your mind occupied with radio, podcasts, etc.
     
  9. WesternPlains

    WesternPlains Road Train Member

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    Nawwww! :laughing-guffaw:
     
  10. 2old

    2old Heavy Load Member

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    Yeah....there's a pillow in the center of my steering wheel...
     
  11. 2old

    2old Heavy Load Member

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    2 red bulls and a 5 hrs energy will fix that
     
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