Falling Asleep while driving?

[Billydude]

I started noticing a couple of years ago that I would fall asleep for a second while driving.  It escalated to a point that on a weekly long trip I needed to take that I would start falling asleep at the wheel many times and have had many close calls.    I finally had to give up on driving this trip and had to hire someone to drive me.   I don't believe I have sleep apnea as I sleep well, don't snore and get a full nights sleep.   This falling asleep at the wheel can happen at any time of the day.
Is there a medical reason for this?    I also have severe neck degeneration.  Could sometime be cutting off oxygen to my brain when I'm in this position?    I don't fall asleep at other times.  Just while I am driving.

[hava]

You are not getting deep sleep, and are not fully rested when you get up.
Follow this technique twice a day, and you will notice your energy level improves in weeks.
Kapalbhati pranayam -(Do it before eating)
Build up your timing gradually.If you feel tired or dizzy, stop and resume after one minute.
Push air forcefully out through the nose about once per second. Stomach will itself go in(contract in). The breathing in(through the nose) will happen automatically. Establish a rhythm and do for 20 to 30 minutes twice a day. Children under 15 years – do 5 to 10 minutes twice a day.
Not for pregnant women. Seriously ill people do it gently.
April 19 ,2012

[EngineertheKurt]

Yup. I have been suffering from drowsy driving for years. Seems like it is getting worse. Happens on 20 minute trips, or longer. Here is what helps me....
1. Audio Books: If I find the story interesting, this works great.
2. Conversations with passengers. I don't get sleepy as a passenger. Talking to passengers helps, talking to myself DOES NOT....in fact, I slip into day-dream state if I talk to myself.
3. Facial exercises: Make the facial expressions when saying the sounds for "EEEE" and "OHHHH" with exaggerated lip motions. Not sure why, might be something about concentrating on the motions.
4. Gluteus clinch. Work out your butt/hamstring muscles in a rhythm. Like Left/Left/Right/Right/Both-hold -- repeat. These are large muscles and tend to get blood flowing.

I'm 44, male, 5'10", 170, decent health, can fall asleep in under 60 seconds every night. Typically wake up tired, not ready to rise. Testosterone levels are around 350. Otherwise all other health measures are really good. I do not work out and sit behind a computer 8-10 hours per day as an engineer.

[Lateboomer]

I just had an accident hitting a truck from behind few days ago while driving and fell into sleep. I suffered drowsy driving these few months which didn't happen to me before. I guess getting old and less exercise contribute to this. After the accident I got my own tips and would like to share and hear your feedback.

First, try to sit almost upright (don't slant too much), and keep your head in the slight nod down position (feel like your nose is pointing down) with your eyes looking straight. The point is not raise your head too much that your behind neck is in compress mode, in that way I will find it more easy to stay alert and my mind can keep active thinking and don't drowse off. Maybe like that we don't compress the nerve at our neck, which I don't sure of.

Secondly, after the position is correct, think something interesting or issue that you want to solve, that will keep you stay alert.

Thirdly, be alert about your breathing pace. If you start to feel sleepy, you may notice you breath slowly and you should increase your breathing to make you alert. Wind down the windows to get good fresh air.

Fourthly, try to sing something and concisely try to listen and perfect what you sing, that will make you alert, or try to sing with a radio in concisely mode. Try to much sunflower seed also will help.

Finally, if you find that you eyes keep closing down. Then you should try purposely open your eyes wide and big for few seconds and blink hard for short period. Hope this will break off the lazy eyes routine.

Those tips help me and the first one is my own thought.

[banderson123]

I've had the falling-asleep-while-driving problem my entire life, and have tried everything over the years.  The only things that work are

  * DRINKING / SIPPING something.  I assume there is a strong animal instinct to not fall asleep while drinking & choke.  I keep my back seat stocked with several six-packs of gatorade at all times.

  * I just bought some SMELLING SALTS on amazon (about $4 for a 10-pack.)  Haven't tried them yet, but it seems like a effective last resort.

[jamie4262011]

I too am afflicted with this. I am going to call my doctor as soon as I am done with this. I never knew it was so common. It scares me because it isn't just my life, other drivers and passengers in my car. I don't fall asleep while being a passenger, just while driving. I get plenty of sleep, it happens on long or short trips and during any time of the day. I have noticed lately that I fall asleep while standing if I am up in the night. That has never happened before either. The sleep-driving started about 3 yrs ago. I am 32 now. Good physical shape. I did add a lil weight starting 3 yrs ago. I am just glad to see that I am not alone and that others have this problem also. Things that help me are talking on the phone is the best. The only other thing I have found is sucking lollipops. Cuz you have to move them around and it works for me.

[dcnativeson]

I am trying to find out how it is possible to actually drive from 1 location to another and not know it?  I was in an accident were I was leaving from a graduation got on the highway to go home and ended up in another city were I had the accident and can't remember anything after getting on the highway.  HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE!!!!