It's a Team's Life

Shhhh Someone is sleeping

Learning to sleep while the truck is moving or learning to sleep in the daytime is a hard learned art.   Not many people I know of have been able to start team driving and fall asleep easily.  

There are many hints for the person sleeping:

Keep the sleeper as dark as possible

Keep the sleeper cool

Use earplugs

Spray sheets and pillows with lavender sheet spray before getting into bed

Read a book before going to bed – This is interesting what I have read about this subject as it is recommended to not look at a computer before going to bed, not play a game or look at phone before going to bed so I have to assume that means not to read on any type of e-reader.   The whole idea in a truck is to save weight and space so not to many I know of carry very many “real” books.   So that leaves picking up the free magazines at the truck stops and reading a few of their articles.

The partner that is driving the truck can help this situation.   Keep the radio turned down or use a bud to hear the radio.   Keep the CB off or down.   At night and when no one else is on the road I often drive in the middle lane, as that lane is usually the smoothest.   When I see another vehicle coming I turn on the turn signal and move over gradually.   Changing lanes quickly is a great way to wake someone up.   When stopping and starting I take my time and perform this maneuver as if I have an egg between my foot and the pedal.

Sing along with the radio under your breath and if listening to the comedy channel do not laugh out loud!   I often talk on the phone when driving using hands free head set and remember to keep my voice lowered.   Plan fuel stops with a driver change, as that is one less stop that could wake the one sleeping.

The side benefit to all of this is driving as if there is an egg under my foot improves our fuel mileage.