Tips for staying alert/awake on graveyard shift

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Dewey120, May 17, 2012.

  1. Dino1968

    Dino1968 Light Load Member

    Lot of good tricks here, but didn't see the one I use in the winter__ I take my shoes and socks off, and put my bare feet on that cold floor :biggrin_2556:
    That always helps me !
     
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  3. quitter

    quitter Light Load Member

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    What works really well for me, actually surprisingly well is chewing gum. I have heard you need to keep all of your senses engaged and gum does a good job of that. I also take no caffeine, except when on the job so that way when I need the caffeine I have not built up a tolerance to it. If I was in a truck and the gum and monster drink did not get me fully alert I would either pull over and rest, or pull my hair so hard that it would nearly come out. Last thing you want is to fall asleep driving. I would rather pull all my hair and punch my self in the face than drive a truck off the road.
     
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  4. Dewey120

    Dewey120 Road Train Member

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    I am getting dependent on energy drinks or coffee now even if I am not driving the graveyard shift. I hate this always tired feeling. What I noticed too is that I can't sleep if I have to goto the restroom. So I will hold it at night and be driving while shaking my leg. Just hope I don't damage any organs.
     
  5. Dewey120

    Dewey120 Road Train Member

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    Will try this tonight when I am heading to Denver VIA I-70.
     
  6. chompi

    chompi Road Train Member

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    Exercise is very important man! It really builds up your metabolism and gives you energy.

    My wife works all day on the farm training horses and working and a few months ago started working out at the gym and doing aerobics and such. She now actually has a hard time falling asleep just because her body has built up a good metabolism and is ready to go go go!
     
  7. Moe Rhonic

    Moe Rhonic Light Load Member

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    May 3, 2012
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    I've spent about 90% of my adult life working overnights, so I know that feel bro. Although I am well acclimated to it, even for me, should I get away from it for a week or so (like on vacation) it takes some doing to get back in the swing. When I was first starting out, I would have told you it takes about a month to acclimate to that kind of shift in your waking/sleeping cycle, which is true, so here's what you do:

    Absolutely keep the same schedule all 7 days a week. Do whatever you have to (drawn shades, sleeping mask, whatever) to make sure you *are* sleeping during the day

    Make sure you are eating well (I didn't say "right" because different people...well you know) to keep up your energy.

    Make sure you stay hydrated, and I mean *just* water--do not attempt to rely on caffeine based products because that'll only *increase* your chances of falling asleep when the effect wears off.

    As Chompi suggested, opening the truck window to get cool air is a good "trick" as well.

    Be aware of your limitations--the Russian army did a study and found that most soldiers on guard duty started nodding off at about 4 am, thus, they knew when to attack. Be aware of your "dead zones" (for me, it's more like 2-3am) and plan to take breaks at those times. A good 10-20 minute break could well save your life!

    Good luck to you man!
     
    Last edited: May 18, 2012
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  8. dirtyjerz

    dirtyjerz glowing beard pouty kid

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    Holding your bladder for too long will do damage if done alot. Cold air helps, blast the ac or roll the window down depending on the weather. Power naps work great, keep em short though, no more than 30-45 minutes or ya might not wake up for a few hours. Stay safe though, when in doubt, park it.

    Edit: I love the graveyard shift. Once used to it youll find less traffic and more open spots at 0900-1000 at the t/s.
     
    Last edited: May 17, 2012
  9. Russjac

    Russjac Light Load Member

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    admittedly, I wasn't trucking at the time, but when I used to work the graveyard shift (10pm-9am), I always found breaking my sleep into 2 3-4 hour periods helped out a lot. When I did that on that shift, I actually felt more rested than when I slept one long period a day. I would crash as soon as I got home, then wake up and take a nap before I had to go back.
     
  10. Dewey120

    Dewey120 Road Train Member

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    I am going to start driving in about a hour from Beaver Utah. I got about 3 one hour naps in today. My student and I are running a little ahead so I can stop around 3 am and take a good 2-3 hour nap and then head into Denver.

    My student is pretty good, he drove combination trucks in the Army for 5 years and is fresh out of the service. The only thing is that he always drove an automatic plus rarely had to back.
     
  11. Russjac

    Russjac Light Load Member

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    Forgot, those weird looking sleep masks really help when trying to sleep during daylight.
     
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