I keep getting drowsy

kind of ruins it ALL right there.

what he's experiencing isn't nothing new. i'm betting it's a common problem with all trainees. having to deal with trainers yelling all the time. not sleeping well becuase the truck is moving. on a bed that isn't very comfortable.

i went through the same thing.

cracking the window a little helps a great deal.

 

Driver: Dispatch, im really tired. I need at least a 3 hour nap.
Dispatch: You CANT DO THAT!!! You will be over your 14 before you get delivered. Stop for 3 minutes and get some coffee.
Driver: I did that but I keep nodding off. Its not safe.
Dispatch: You have only done 65 hours this week, how can you be tired? Didnt you get 10 hours last night?
Driver: No I spent 5 of those hours waiting for a tire repair but logged it as sleeper because you told me to.
Dispatch: Oh so you DID get 10 off last night? Then why are you tired?
Driver: Because I only slept 4 hours last night.
Dispatch: Why didnt you sleep in the waiting area at the tire shop?
Driver: Because they only had a metal folding chair for me to sit on and wouldnt let me sleep in the truck in the shop.
Dispatch: Couldnt you sleep in the restaurant across the street? GET TO WORK, IF YOU STOP YOU ARE FIRED!!!!
Driver: Yes sir, sorry.

I sure need this $23,000 a year job so I better not upset them.


I witnessed this a few months ago in Vegas. Talked to the driver about what he was going to do. He said he was going to sleep for a few minutes then go deliver. His truck was still there 3 hours later. I wonder if he got fired.

 

Exercise. The most exercise you probably get is when you drop the kids in the pool. Exercise will dramatically drop stress levels, when then allows you to sleep deeper and longer.

 

First take your time and relax. 10 and a 13 shift basicly the same, in fact you can shift the 13 as if it were a 10. Although your trainer may not like it, the tranny wont care.

 

I was off work 5 months with a broken foot.This week back to work has been a struggle.Battling fatigue was rough.I used to be able to do the 11 but this week Ive had to stop earlier then usual.It will be easier when you are sleeping in a non moving truck.Getting out and walking around for 10 minutes can help with being tired,I would never drive to the point of nodding off.If you feel like that STOP.there is nothing in that trailer that is worth your cdl or more important your life

 

I figure I will throw my 2 cents. If you think youre not getting enough sleep or a good rest, try melatonin the 10mg pill. It will put you out in about 30 minutes to an hour and you will sleep like a baby. You will wake up refreshed and without the drowsy feeling regular sleeping pills give you if you dont get 8 hours. I take them nightly and wake up anywhere from 6-8 hours later and never have that "hangover" feeling.

 

10 and 13 are completely different. Other than a stick coming out of the floor, what similarities do they have?

 

i like talk radio at night
listening to crazy people helps keep me alert

trainers fall asleep from boredom
nod off once or twice and run the rumble strip will activate your adrenline

 

I worked on boats for over 25 years and had a 6hr.on6hr. off schelule. Getting 10 off in a truck was like what do I do the other 4.5 hours hwen I first started driving. Now days I get between 7-8hrs and feel great. If I get drowsy I pull over and take a quick nap 45min. to 1hr. We usually have plenty of time on our loads. Don't let anyone push you or tell you to keep on going when you are tired. Keep it safe and you will get the hang of sleeping when you can.