Cant Sleep

I worry about this happening to me when I finish training.
Is there any chance of getting any exercise an any way? Even walking around the parking lot will get your juices flowing and let your body and brain relax. I recently had shoulder surgery and had to sit around the house for a few weeks with no activity. I couldn't sleep but a couple hrs at a time. I walk around the block every day and now sleep isn't a problem. It's worth a shot...good luck!

 

I'm not a driver yet, but I have had sleep problems in my 55 years. Still, take everything I say with the proverbial "grain of salt". What I've experienced is this: Your "body" wants and needs rest. No surprise here. But, your "body" is not in control of the process that puts you to sleep. Your "mind" is. It's #### near impossible to sleep when your mind is going in too many different directions. Most people have experienced the sleeplessness that comes from that.

I found that when my mind was going in too many different directions, sleep just wasn't going to happen unless I passed out from sheer exhaustion.

Spend some time thinking about what you think about, particularly just before you are getting ready to hit the rack. Sounds weird but what I'm saying is that, if you spend a little time (surprisingly, this can take just a few seconds, most of the time longer though) getting your mind sorted out, so to speak, then you might find yourself more likely to nod off.

If you can focus on what's going through your mind (even by writing it down, if necessary), you'll likely become a little more relaxed. For me it was like the relief I get when I tackle an unpleasant task or problem. Half the battle is won as soon I take even small steps toward accomplishing the task or solving the problem.

Only you know what needs to be focused on. It could be you're so worried about not being able to sleep that the worry keeps you from sleeping. Talk about a vicious cycle. Worry=FEAR! Deal with the fear!!!

As I said in the beginning of this post, take everything with a grain of salt.
You asked for pointers, this is mine to you! Hope it helps!

 

The best things that help me to get to sleep when I'm in a vehicle is to read, listen to music, or if the sleeper has a DVD player go watch a movie. I find music to be the best bet when I fly, it puts my mind at ease when Im flying, keep in mind I never flown on a commercial airliner before.

 

I started out that way myself, just found it hard to get sleep whether we were rolling or at the truck stop. All the different sounds and sensations. I just made sure to do my best to get some sleep and it got better.
Now, when I am home I have trouble because it is too quite and the bed is to comfortable and big LOL.

 

Exercise may help. Most company trucks are short wheelbase and ride rough in the sleeper. You may get use to it. If not don't kill yourself for what they are paying you. Good luck.

 

Try to stay on a set schedule at all times, even at home. If you drive nights, work 7 to 7 every day, or something that suits you, no matter what. When home, try to stick to the same schedule as the truck. I know it sucks, but it's much better that falling asleep at the wheel. An oddball sleep patteren will cause insominia in many people. I quit one good paying job because the odd sleep schedules were causing me to be tired, and once fell asleep driving.

 

When I first ran sleeper many years ago, I never slept well the first night out, but then I slept fine every night after that. Now, I find it really difficult to sleep if somebody else is driving . You just get more aware of what might happen, and you remember some of the close calls you have had. I think it is really unnatural to try to sleep while your life is in the hands of some other driver. I would look for another situation, if at all possible. IMHO

 

You have to look at it as if it's your time to go, then it's your time to go. If not, then things will be OK. That don't mean to ride with someone who can't drive if you have a choice.