Staying alert to stay alive - Tips to prevent falling asleep at the wheel

By Ané Theron

Dreading another marathon driving session these upcoming holidays? Combat drowsiness with our top tips to remain bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, all the way to your destination.

While some of us love nothing more that hitting the open road with a tank full of fuel, others face a struggle that is very real: Once that engine starts humming and there's not much excitement after a couple of kays, we feel our eyelids getting heavy and we may even find ourselves at the point of nodding off.

Since a tired driver is just as dangerous as a drunk driver, here are ways to stay on top of your driving game.

1. Take a power nap before you leave

While this isn't always possible, it certainly is the best way to boost your energy. If you can sneak in a quick 10 - 30 minutes before you go, your brain will feel refreshed and ready to tackle the road ahead. While many would advise pulling over at the side of the road and closing your eyes for a bit, in SA that isn't such a safe option, unless it's at a crowded service station underneath a bright light...which isn't exactly conducive to a great nap.

2. Energize yourself with upbeat music

Whether it's trance, metal, or country; if it gets you going, listen to it, and listen to it loudly. If you can party or work out to it, it'll do the trick. Avoid the chilled-out, soothing stuff, as well as cricket commentators or boring talk shows.

3. Learn a foreign language

Always wanted to learn a foreign language? Download a language learning podcast(s) or audiobooks of your choice and flex your brain while you drive. It will be hard to fall asleep while you have to concentrate on listening and repeating foreign words and phrases. Innovative Language is one of the best free podcast series for language learners on the web. Check out innovativelanguage.com. You will also find language podcasts on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify and TuneIn.

4. Chew on some Vitamin C tablets

Apart from helping your immune system, Vitamin C is a great natural energizer. This shouldn't be overdone either, but chewing on 300 mg every two hours or so will help you stay alert. Other natural stay-awake remedies include Gingko Biloba, Ginseng, Rhodiola, and Vitamin D, B6, B12 and B5. Guarana is also helpful, but use with caution. It's also a stimulant and will hype you up in much the same way as too much coffee will.

5. Have your coffee, but don't overdo it

While a strong cup of Joe certainly perks you up for a couple of hours, don't go completely crazy with those double espressos. Too much caffeine can lead to heart palpitations, dizziness, and a very grumpy disposition overall. Not so great for you or your co-driver, if you have one. The same goes for sugar-laden energy drinks. Rather stick to the sugar-free variety which won't make your blood sugar crash as badly. Make sure you drink plenty of water too - dehydration also causes a drop in your energy levels and impairs your concentration.

6. Turn up the air-con and lower the temperature

It will be much harder to fall asleep when you're not perfectly toasty and snug as a bug in a rug. If you're sitting perhaps a little too upright and feeling a bit frosty, the discomfort will help you stay focused.

7. Avoid medication that can make you drowsy

Got a headache? Feeling fluey? There is so much you'll need to avoid. Even Panado will make some people feel sleepy, especially if already tired. 

Play it safe and opt for a natural flu/hay fever remedy like Linctagon C.

Being a sufferer of frequent headaches, I always opt for a painkiller with a high amount of caffeine like Grandpa, Anadin or Compral.

8. Have stretching/snacking/photo breaks

Get out, move around, do a few squat jumps or jog on the spot, or look for that perfect photo opp. Grab a healthy snack but avoid carb-heavy, hard-to-digest meals, which will surely make you sleepy. Stock up on biltong, nuts, fresh fruit and the like. Goji berries are also known for their rejuvenating properties, as is dark chocolate - but make it the high-quality stuff with over 70 percent cocoa solids. Save the sugary Sour Worms for the very last stretch.

9. Don't drive alone, if possible

Having a wingman or co-pilot to take over can be a lifesaver when you just can't keep your eyes open anymore. 

10. Avoid driving between 12 am and 5 am, if you can

Your natural circadian rhythm will agree that you shouldn't be awake or driving at this time. But if you must, please refer back to no.1-9! And take it slow - should something happen, you'll be so much better off if you drove at a reasonable speed.