Having trouble sleeping while training.

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by cal2neva, Feb 28, 2007.

  1. cal2neva

    cal2neva Bobtail Member

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    Feb 28, 2007
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    I have been having anxiety attacks and trouble sleeping while the truck is moving. I also have some problems being confined to such a small place to work and live in.
    Any advice with resolving these problems?

    Thanks, T
     
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  3. speedieweenie

    speedieweenie Bobtail Member

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    Feb 28, 2007
    truckers live somewhere?
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    honestly, theres a couple things u could try, like take a couple of sleeping pills right before ur sleeper time and getting a pair of ear plugs, what worked for me is my faith in a highewr power and knowing that when my time comes it comes, that ill go to a better place, ur problem stems form control issues, i still have them when my wife drives... all u can do is trust that ur trainer has been doing this a while and has the skill not to do anything stupid, that and he wouldnt do anything to put himself at risk let alone u, so have faith in the law of self preservation.
     
  4. munrkr

    munrkr Medium Load Member

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    Maybe some one else can suggest ways to deal with the anxiety and it's impact on your sleep. As far as problems with small spaces though, may i suggest what may seem obvious... Make the most of your off-duty time by getting off the truck as much as possible. Also, do what you can to exercise. Even a brisk walk helps. And when you're in the truck, try to remember that although you're in a truck, it's roll'n down the road and the scenery is constantly changing. (think about the poor guy in the factory) try to focus on that. But when you can't,find something to distract yourself. Like magazines with big pictures of far away, exotic places. Anything to keep your mind occupied. Your body may be captive, but you're mind needn't be, Unless you're driving of course. Lastly, I'm hoping this will only be temporary as you are no doubt under a fair bit of stress. You need time to aclimate. Recognize, adapt, and overcome. Spring's around the corner. Good luck to you
     
  5. pro1driver

    pro1driver Heavy Load Member

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    Mar 30, 2006
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    uh...........taking sleeping pills isn't a very good idea. for some people the effects can linger on for several hours or for some people, the sleeping pills may not work right away, and when they do "kick-in" so to speak, that person can be behind the wheel when that happens. try to never recommend sleeping pills.

    it is tough to try and fall asleep when the rig is in motion (if you are teaming for this current time). try reading a boring book, or watching a boring movie in the vcr (if there is one), or try wearing a "night mask" to cover your eyes, and yes, ear plugs. now, if you are not teaming and the rig is say at a truckstop, and the engine is idling, then i always found it to be like a "rocking effect" that puts me to sleep, and i liked it. it was when i got home, i had a hard time falling asleep because the bed wasn't rocking me to sleep.

    again (if teaming) try and tell your co-driver to slow down a bit more, say to a "sane" speed limit, instead of trying to break the sound barrier to get to where you are going to.

    but above all else, do not take sleeping pills, they may affect you when you least expect or want them to...............

    bad advice about sleeping pills...............


    and if you have problems now sleeping due to the small enviroment you "live in" now, it doesn't get any bigger (the living area of the truck). you'll either have to get used to it, or not drive a truck that has a sleeper. you may have to work driving a day cab, but they are more cramped.............

    and if you find that driving a day cab is "to confining", then trucking isn't for you, sorry to say..............
     
  6. cal2neva

    cal2neva Bobtail Member

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    Feb 28, 2007
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    I will have my laptop this week, I hope this will help me get my mind and sleep on the right track. Any web sites you can advise for truckers to kill some time?
     
  7. munrkr

    munrkr Medium Load Member

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    Dec 14, 2006
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    sure, just gooogl trucking forums.......
     
  8. wallbanger

    wallbanger "Enemy of showers everywhere"

    Car and driver, various newspaper sites, and I am an R/C (Radio Control) junkie, so I like HPI, Team Associated, etc websites.
     
  9. Truckerjo

    Truckerjo Road Train Member

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    www.google.com

    type in whatever interest you, and type "forum" at the end.
     
  10. Cymerax

    Cymerax Bobtail Member

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    Jan 31, 2007
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    Hey Cal, I can sympatize as I'm claustrophobic and I'm also not looking forward to sleeping in such a confined space, especially during training with someone else in the truck (don't know why but adding another person in a confined space with me can sometimes make it worse, lol).

    I would suggest asking a doctor if there's any anti-anxiety meds that can be taken and not affect driving - maybe Zoloft or such . Sleeping pills might work but you've got to know the "timing" per the affects and take accordingly.

    If just having problems feeling sleepy I strongly suggest taking Melatonin. This is available anywhere vitamins are sold - it's a natural ingredient your body normally produces when it starts to get dark and helps make you sleepy. Sometimes we don't produce enough (stress as well as age can affect this) and Melatonin is not habit forming, you can't overdose, and your body will not develope resistance/tolerance to it. Best of all it's a great anti-oxidant so it's good for you too ;?D

    As Munrkr said, maybe spend as much time OUT of the truck until just before bedtime and a good workout is healthy, takes your mind off the anticipation of the anxiety attack (often the cause) and of course it's easier to nod off quickly when tired.

    As for places to go on the net, you might try Active Worlds (type it as one word and add dot com). It's pretty cool place - there are portals to hundreds of different "worlds" that members have built, some places to game, but in reality it's just a glorified chat room, except that it's BIG (in cyberspace it's literally the size of California, lol). Lots of cool people to meet and will certainly keep you occupied.

    Finally I'm willing to bet that the problem will most likely subside as you adapt and get used to the new life. Good luck!
     
  11. attrintal

    attrintal Light Load Member

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    Feb 6, 2007
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    i dont have a problem with clostrafobia. but i had a problem with anxiety. real bad. finally i learned to mediate, and that fixed it.
     
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