We all know how unpredictable trucking can be. Some Days you could get 4 hours of sleep and the next you could get 8. Moreover, a misconception among beginners in the trucking industry is that the 10-hour break you get is for sleeping. However, in these 10 hours, you must do laundry, eat, shower, grocery shop, and sleep. If you want to read a book, or watch television, then add that to the list as well. In the end, you will only have about 4 or 5 hours of sleep, and you will be back on the road. 

Importance Of Sleep For Truckers

Sleep is essential for everyone and especially those involved in the trucking industry. Lack of sleep can result in health decline, slow reaction time, lousy mood, and increased hunger and appetite. Moreover, you could feel drowsy on the road due to lack of sleep, which can result in accidents. 

How To Sleep Better

Where you sleep is essential!

A better sleeping environment will help you sleep better and more quickly. Here are a few tips regarding your sleeping environment. 

• Park in a spot that is safe and quiet.
• Keep your sleeping spot dark by closing the curtains or wearing an eye mask. 
• Use earplugs to block out the noise.
• Keep the temperature cool in your cab.
• Use a comfortable pillow and mattress as you spend ⅓ of your life in bed. 

Prepare for your bedtime

Preparing for bedtime will signal your brain that you are about to sleep. This will help you sleep much quicker.

Things To Avoid Before Sleeping

• Eating heavily a couple of hours before bedtime.
• Caffeine – This can keep you awake while driving but can affect your body for around 5 hours. Plan your intake accordingly so that it does not prevent you from getting a night of good sleep.
• Avoid Nicotine and other stimulants at all costs.
• Exposure to light from devices such as television, mobile phones, tablets, and computers. Research has proven that light from these devices can disturb your sleep. 

Things You Can Do

• If you are with someone, tell them when you will be sleeping and ask them not to disturb you while you are sleeping.
• Have a routine you could follow an hour or two before sleeping every night. This can include washing your face, brushing your teeth, reading a book, and getting yourself ready for bed.

Conclusion:

Truck drivers indeed have to deal with a lack of sleep due to irregular sleeping hours and trucking being unpredictable. This can put the health and safety of truckers at risk. So please follow our tips and improve your sleep quality and save yourself from potential health risks. For more information, visit Gillson Trucking. Until next time, stay safe and healthy!