Lytx Provides Drowsy Driving Prevention Strategies
How to Prevent Drowsy Driving
Combat Fatigue With These Four Expert Tips provided by Lytx telematics company:
1. Get Enough Sleep
How much is enough sleep? The National Sleep Foundation has issued these recommendations by age. But each person is different. NASCAR driver Kurt Busch averages seven to eight hours. NBA player LeBron James sleeps 12 hours a night. NFL wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald gets nine hours, but likes to bump it up to 10 or 11 hours the night before a game. Professional drivers also need sufficient sleep to perform. Sleep specialist Dr. Meier H. Kryger sums it up by saying, “It is the amount of sleep that leaves you wide-awake, alert, in a great mood, and functioning at your best.”
2. Take a Nap
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration recommends that commercial drivers take a 10- to 45-minute nap if they feel drowsy, then allow 15 minutes to fully wake up afterwards. Even if you don’t yet feel sleepy, a nap can help prevent fatigue later on. Also naps are more effective than caffeine.
3. Find Out Which Medications Can Induce Drowsiness
Many painkillers, muscle relaxants, antihistamines, antidepressants, blood pressure medications, and even cold medicines can make you feel drowsy. Find out which ones have the potential to make you feel tired and consult with your doctor for alternatives.
4. Practice Good “Sleep Hygiene”
Sleep researchers have come up with a list of conditions for a good night’s sleep. Here’s a list of good sleep habits from the Centers for Disease Control:
- Be consistent with your sleep schedule
- Keep your sleep area quiet, dark and relaxing
- Avoid electronics with screens
- Cut off caffeine earlier in the day
- Don’t eat a big meal right before bedtime
- Take a brisk walk, stretch or exercise during the day
Read the full article here: https://www.lytx.com/en-us/blog/strategies-for-reducing-drowsy-driving-risk