Why do I get so sleepy when I am driving to work?

Question

When driving to work in the mornings I get really sleepy, it is very hard to keep my eyes open. Sometimes it is really scary, I am afraid I might fall asleep and have a wreck. The only thing that seems to help is to roll down the window and turn up the radio and sing along. But I am really curious to know what makes people sleepy while driving????

Answer 1

You might have a leak in your exhaust system that is leaking carbon monoxide into get car's cabin. Rolling down the window allows more fresh air in which may be why your urge to sleep is quelled. Have your exhaust system checked out for possible leaks.
If that doesn't work or it's not the problem, then try repositioning your driver's side seat so you are in a more upright position. You could also try taking some ginseng when you get up in the morning. It gives me a boost but it's not jittery like a caffeine boost from coffee or NoDoze.
This is a long shot but it happened to me, check to see if the place where you buy gas has ether in the gas itself. When southeastern Wisconsin was forced into using reformulated gas I noticed a couple stations used a mix that had ether in it. I didn't notice this at first but then I started getting really drowsy while driving. Since ether was used years ago to put people to sleep I could only figure that that was the problem. I switched stations where I bought gas and the problem subsided.
Hope this helps and have a great day!!!

Answer 2

I dont think that you are awake long enough before you start your drive to work. Try sleeping earlier and getting up maybe half an hour earlier than you usually do and make sure you get enough sleep. This thing could also be the result of lack of sleep.

Please try and avoid driving if you do feel you might fall asleep on the wheel, you not only put your own life at risk but you may hurt others too. It is pretty dangerous actually and should not be taken lightly.

Take care.

Answer 3

You according to probability Diabetic and/or have Narcolepsy. See a doctor at recent. Being sleepy each and every of the time dosing off even collectively as making use of, doing some thing or speaking to somebody could be signs and indicators of Narcolepsy. you're actually not basically endangering your life and of the passengers interior the motor vehicle yet additionally the Pedestrians on the line.

Answer 4

It's the repetitive nature of driving. Doesn't require a ton of attention, unless something crazy happens (a near crash, etc.) which will definitely wake you up.

Do you get enough sleep at night? That will obviously contribute to the problem. You could try drinking a cup of coffee a half hour or so before you hit the road to give yourself a jump start.

Answer 5

Following the same route to work day in and day out can be a tiring chore...particularly first thing in the morning. If you can take varied ways to and from work, it is beneficial. While working with the US Gov, during security threat situations we were expected to vary our routes so as not to be predictable...I not only got to learn more about the scenery in my city, I also found myself more alert during the drive as well as at the office. I still do this varied route thing for even simple trips to stores or family...engrained I guess.. Ensure that you have had a fuel enducing breakfast...if you can squeeze in a power exercise session (three exercises done in quick succession (i.e. crunches, Taebo punches, wall presses etc doing each exercise for as long as you can until you fatigue the muscles and immediately moving to the next one...doesn't matter if you get all in at one session or not, the idea here is to boost your system...you're getting more fit and you're boosting your alertness/energy) a short 7 minute period is all that is necessary to awaken the adrenaline which powers energy and just about everyone can fit it in to the morning routine. Of course you do this just before showering :). A power drink beside you in the car to sip on at every red light/stop sign or so, will also give your body a boost.

Keep the window open about 1 inch so you aren't depending simply on air conditioning, more if you find it better.

Loud music? A bit dangerous as it obliterates the chances of hearing someone blowing their horn at you, either to warn you out of the way or to let you know they are there...try to keep the music to a decible level that you aren't endangering yourself or others.

If you still find yourself nodding off....pull over and get out, walk around the car a bit...and while you are doing that consider public transport if you have it available to you...safer all the way around (well usually :)

Answer 6

It is prehaps that you don't get enough sleep every night? try going to sleep really early one night and seeing if that helps and the next go to bed really late and compare the diffrence...

Try having a shower when you get up- usually that wakes me up. Try turning it cold for a few seconds, that should definatly help!

Drink Coffee!! Kick start you day with a large steaming cup of coffee filled with lovely cafine!! lol.

If you are feeling extreamly tired and feel like your going to fall asleep at the wheel pull over and get out and go for a short walk to walk to up- dont keep driving for you sake as well as those on the road as well!!

Good luck!

Answer 7

Well, it could be an effect of aging. My great-grandfather has to stop in parking lots and take naps whenever he's driving somewhere over 30 minutes away. You could be waking up to early in the morning. You could be getting little sleep at night. Or you could not be getting enough protein, carbs, or sugar.

Answer 8

You too?? what seems to work for me is to talk on the phone, drink red bull and smoke a cigarette (not all at the same time).... but, none of these answers seem appropriate or are correct.... get a power nap of 10 min at some parking lot... that should help.... those are the best naps!!!

Answer 9

The road can hypnotize you. The monotone sound from the tires, the lines going by, it all causes a situation close to that of a hypnotist.

Answer 10

Usually it is the warm feeling in an enclosed car along with the rocking motion..... I bet your momma wrapped you in a warm blankie and rocked you to sleep when you were a child. That is why you feel relaxed and warm and able to doze.