Can't sleep while truck is moving

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Davidbenjamin, Aug 17, 2020.

  1. 59EX

    59EX Medium Load Member

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    Training while doing "team driving" is BS. People that say it's just "part of it" are idiots. Your trainer is a greedy ###.

    Try Benadryl. It helps you sleep but doesn't seem to make you seem drowsy afterwards. Obviously don't abuse it.

    Make sure you use the harness, even on the bottom bunk. Trust me, I have huge bruises to prove it.

    If you cant get out of the situation grit your teeth and get thru it. Once you're on your own and sleeping in your own truck, it'll be like a whole different world.
     
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  3. Farmerbob1

    Farmerbob1 Road Train Member

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    You either need to learn to sleep with the truck rolling, or find another company to hire on with that has a training policy where the truck is not operated as a team truck.

    Several companies have policies mandating truck downtime sufficient to allow for a stopped sleep period. Stevens Transport is one of them, or at least they were 5 years ago.
     
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  4. aaronpeterbilt3787

    aaronpeterbilt3787 Medium Load Member

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    I was thinking the same thing. In all my years, I’ve never seen a standup company send a trainee out as part of a team operation.
     
  5. Canadianhauler21

    Canadianhauler21 Heavy Load Member

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    What kinda trainer sleeps while a trainee is driving? If anything my trainer drove me after a long night of bar drinking. Coolest trainer ever.
     
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  6. Turdzthaword

    Turdzthaword Light Load Member

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    Aug 30, 2020
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    I never experienced any trouble sleeping while my trainer or co-driver was driving. I would usually on wake up when the truck was moving. Pick up a bottle of melatonin until your body gets adjusted sleeping while the wheels are in motion. I understand how you feel though, fam; I cant sleep while the radio is on.
     
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  7. WildTiger1990

    WildTiger1990 Heavy Load Member

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    So let me put this straight you putting absolutely rookie into 40tons killing machine, and peaceful going to bed.
    What can possibly go wrong ?
    Or your trainer who just been up for 10-12 hours watching you, want to drive another 10-12.
    And then you forum guys crying about HOS regulations , lol.
    When I was with Knight, my trainer drove only 2 times in 5 weeks of training.
    1st time for 2 hours cause we got stuck in a traffic.
    And 2nd time for another 4 hours after my 11 cause it was our home terminal.
    And thats KNIGHT! not even the best company...
     
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  8. Flashdrive7

    Flashdrive7 Medium Load Member

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    Your advice about a company that does not team when training is for the most part, true. However, not everyone can get that luxury. Many new drivers have limited choices on who will hire them.
    I'm an experienced driver, but I'm currently with a trainer because my new employer could not get verification on my last several years of service. I don't like it. My "trainer" is an absolute nightmare to work with. I've been writing lengthy posts about the situation on social talk. Hopefully by the end of this week I will be in my own truck and on my own again.
     
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  9. Brandt

    Brandt Road Train Member

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    Remember if you driver solo miles that will be like 6-12 weeks of two guys riding in the truck together, without much privacy. Some guys sleeping in their clothes or don't change their socks. Guys don't sleep in their clothes because they like it or that's how they sleep at home. If you run solo miles that stuff you have to deal with. Ha Ha
     
  10. mechrev

    mechrev Bobtail Member

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    Aug 18, 2020
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    When you're sleeping in a bunk whilst the truck is moving you should first make sure the netting is secure.

    Prop your pillow slightly against the cabinet - To where it's butted up against it and provides a cushion so your don't rock your skull if the driver has to slam on the brakes. I would put my head on this side.

    Cross your feet at the ankles.

    Put your hands in the middle of your rib cage. Upper hand near the sternum and the other hand just below.

    This is what I found to be the most stable and comfortable sleeping position while a truck was moving. I thought about this in depth and figured it was the safest position that if I do happen to go flying it would be in a controlled manner and I could minimize my chances of getting injured.
     
  11. Flashdrive7

    Flashdrive7 Medium Load Member

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    Watch out using Benadryl, or any kind of sleep aid. They help you GET to sleep, but they won't keep you under. If you take them, and don't sleep at least six or eight hours uninterrupted you'll be groggy for hours the next day.
     
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