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A question for high mile drivers...

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by rangerunner2007, Jan 30, 2007.

  1. Jan 30, 2007 #1
    rangerunner2007

    rangerunner2007 Bobtail Member

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    Jan 30, 2007
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    I've been doing my job for a few years now, but I never have much time to visit with OTR drivers so I wanted to ask: is it normal to have to have a brief (hour or so at least) time each day to decompress after driving a full shift? My best laid plans go south if I want to accomplish something soon after getting home. Its almost like my body has to be still whether I want to or not. Or am I just being lazy? I drive 400-500 miles a day.
     
    rangerunner2007, Jan 30, 2007
    rangerunner2007, Jan 30, 2007
    #1
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  3. Jan 31, 2007 #2
    25(2)+2

    25(2)+2 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    Everyone is different, what is normal for you is not for the next driver, if
    I go until I'm done with the cycle or trip, there are times that I drop the trailer and sleep before driving a half hour home.

    If I am well rested, I need to unwind for awhile before sleeping again.

    400 to 500 isn't much west of the Mississippi, unless you are driving peddle (LTL) runs or mountains, east of the Mississippi, it could be a lot . But if you are driving mostly rural Interstate, and the traffic isn't heavy, it's not bad. If the driving is strenuous, that much of it will probably key you up.

    What I am trying to say is that it all depends on what you do and how your body reacts to it. If you need to unwind before doing something else or even sleeping, then you should unwind.

    AJ
     
    25(2)+2, Jan 31, 2007
    25(2)+2, Jan 31, 2007
    #2
  4. Jan 31, 2007 #3
    pro1driver

    pro1driver Heavy Load Member

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    yes, absolutely its "normal" to decompress or unwind, at least for me. i get out of work around the midnight hour, and when i get home, i make some tea, maybe some oatmeal, then i go and surf the web for a bit. i'd say about 1 to 1.5 hours later, i'm off to bed. by me unwinding, or decompressing as you say, you are relaxing your mind, and body for a more restfull sleep. i found i was too "wound up" to simply fall asleep when i got home right away.

    everyone is different indeed, but relaxing before bedtime does it for me.....
     
    pro1driver, Jan 31, 2007
    pro1driver, Jan 31, 2007
    #3
  5. Jan 31, 2007 #4
    panhandlepat

    panhandlepat Road Train Member

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    i myself can't sleep for SEVERAL hours after i get off work. that is why i'm usually here till 2-3 AM. that and NBC's "poker after dark" at 1 AM :razz:
     
    panhandlepat, Jan 31, 2007
    panhandlepat, Jan 31, 2007
    #4
  7. Jan 31, 2007 #5
    MACK E-6

    MACK E-6 Moderator Staff Member

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    A glass of wine or something may help there.
     
    MACK E-6, Jan 31, 2007
    MACK E-6, Jan 31, 2007
    #5
  8. Jan 31, 2007 #6
    panhandlepat

    panhandlepat Road Train Member

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    for some odd reason i have a few beers after work and it's like throwing a bucket of cold water on someone. WIDE AWAKE!!

    you think wine would react different?

    i bet if i got up before 11-12 o'clock that would help too :iconbiggrin:

    (i do the 3-9 X 6 shift)
     
    panhandlepat, Jan 31, 2007
    panhandlepat, Jan 31, 2007
    #6
  9. Feb 1, 2007 #7
    Brickman

    Brickman Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    My wife doesn't drive truck but she can't go to bed right away even if its late, 11 or 12 PM. That time of night I can come home and make a line of clothes from the door to the bed. zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz lights out.
     
    Brickman, Feb 1, 2007
    Brickman, Feb 1, 2007
    #7
  10. Feb 2, 2007 #8
    Silverfrost1

    Silverfrost1 Bobtail Member

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    Tea is a stimulant, but with less caffeine than coffee. They do make defac tea nowadays.

    Alcohol is a depressant, which might help with relaxing you for sleep.
     
    Silverfrost1, Feb 2, 2007
    Silverfrost1, Feb 2, 2007
    #8
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