Benefits Of Proper Rest Before You Hit The Road

“In 2007 a study done by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, fatigue was a critical factor in 13% of all accidents involving large, commercial vehicles. In another study, over 50% of drivers reported driving while drowsy at least once and 25% reported having actually fallen sleep at the wheel,” states an article from Sleep Help, a sleep-heath education site dedicated to bettering waking life by improving sleep.

How is your sleep, Oakley family? Do you feel well rested when you are behind the wheel or do you need help improving your shut eye? Sleep is your main sidekick when it comes to being successful on the road. If you’re having trouble getting proper rest, check out some of these facts and tips below.

According to Guardvant, a global leader in safety solutions for the industrial sector, peaceful sleep offers, 1) health, 2) safety, and 3) productivity for truckers. When you are well-rested, you will have higher reaction times, a stronger immune system and less cravings. It’ll also help you think clearly and make safe decisions behind the wheel, ultimately boosting efficiency during hauls.

How do you know when you are tired and how can you achieve better sleep? Sleep Help says to become aware of drowsiness signs, like yawning. If you feel yourself starting to crash, do not attempt to make yourself stay awake. Tactics like blasting the air conditioning or radio will help for a few minutes, but it won’t last. Know when to pull over.

When you do settle down for a snooze, Open Access Government, a digital publication that provides an in-depth perspective on key public policy ares, offers some suggestions in their article The importance of sleep for commerical drivers.

• Use black out curtains. A dark environment helps you relax and eliminates outside stimulation.
• Get a comfortable bed. Find a pillow you like, try a memory foam mattress pad, and/or get support for your back/legs. It’s worth it to go the extra mile for these accessories.
• Reduce screen time before bed (grab a book instead!). “Electronic devices before bed delays your body’s internal clock, suppresses the release of the sleep-inducing hormone melatonin, and makes it more difficult to fall asleep.” - The National Sleep Foundation
  
  

For more tips on how to fall asleep easier and get better rest, check out this article. Stay safe out there, Oakley family!