Pre-Road Trip Sleep: How to Prepare Your Body for a Long Drive

Planning on taking a road trip? Make sure you prep your mind and body before the long drive.

While road trips seem fun, the designated driver bears the brunt. You must bring your A-game to the table and keep a stern focus on the road to avoid any mishaps.

But don't worry. Road trip prep doesn't have to be cumbersome. Infact, to make it easier for you, we are here with the top tips and tricks that can help you embark on a safe journey.

What are they? Let's explore more ahead!

Why It Is Essential To Prep Yourself Before A Long Drive?

When you are planning a long road trip, it is vital to have a proper plan to back you up. Otherwise, it can lead to fatigue, muscle stiffness, and dehydration, which can affect your focus and energy.

And then, when you finally make it to your destination, you are exhausted. It may take almost a day for you to recuperate. So, if this was a vacation, you may end up spending your time sleeping. We don't want that for you!

Prepping yourself means you reduce the risks of accidents and make the drive more fun. Also, it lets you enjoy your vacation once you reach the destination.

What Constitutes As A Long Drive?

Anything that goes beyond 150 kms constitutes a long drive. Long drives are basically extended periods of driving that differ from the norm. So, when you are required to remain on the road for a few hours or more on the road, being well-prepared always helps.

6 Essential Ways to Prepare Your Body for a Long Drive

Here’s how you can prepare your body for a long drive.

1. Get a Good Sleep before You Start

Before your drive, you must get at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep. When you enjoy quality sleep, it keeps you alert and focused.

When you don't get enough sleep, it can cause fatigue, curb concentration, and reduce reaction time. This can get dangerous when you are on the road. Therefore, do everything you can to get the rest you deserve.

For instance, indulge in a calming bedtime routine the night before and avoid heavy meals before bed. Make sure you rest on a comfy mattressthat helps you fall asleep quickly and ensure you wake up without any aches or stiffness.

2. Eat an Energetic and Healthy Meal

Make sure to enjoy a healthy heart meal before your love drive. It's best to do it an hour or 30 minutes before you leave. It should be able to boost your energy and provide the fuel you need. However, it must not make you feel extremely full or lethargic. A few ideas here include:

• Oatmeal with fruits and nuts
• Greek yogurt with honey and berries
• Grilled chicken or tofu salad
• Vegetable poha or upma
• Idli with Sambar

3. Keep Yourself Properly Hydrated

When it comes to hydration, you must strive to achieve a balance. Here, you must drink enough water to avoid any fatigue but also not overdo it where you are required to stop frequently for bathroom breaks. This will only delay your journey.

Also, keeping yourself hydrated means you avoid headaches, tiredness, and decreased concentration. If you are not in the mood for water, herbal tea, flavored water, fruit juices, etc., can also be ideal.

4. Don’t Overdo the Caffeine

A cup of tea or coffee before you start or when you are on a break is alright. It can make you feel refreshed and enhance your concentration. However, too much of it can lead to jitters and you may also end up with caffeine anxiety. Here, sugary or energy drinks also fall under this category.

Instead, when you feel like you need a caffeine hit, opt for natural ways to help you out. For instance, take a break, stretch, and drink some water.

5. Stretch and Exercise

Long drives means you remain cooped up in your car for hours together. So, to ensure you don't experience any cramps or stiffness, stretching before you start can benefit you. Simple movements like walking, leg stretch, and arm circles can prevent stiffness and improve circulation.

Also, make sure you stop every 2-3 hours to move around and stretch again. This can greatly benefit you.

6. Wear Comfortable Clothing

Opt for cozy and comfortable clothing. Something that is loose, soft, and breathable can be ideal here.

Tight or restrictive clothing can cause discomfort, reduce circulation, and increase the risk of muscle stiffness. Also, take the weather and the temperature of your car into consideration.

Don't forget about your footwear. Again, choose something sturdy and comfortable.

6 Other Tips to Help You Stay Alert and Comfortable On a Long Drive

Let’s take a look at a few other tips that will help you enjoy a comfortable drive.

1. Keep Yourself Engaged

Stay away from the vicious cycle of boredom because when you give in to it, soon you feel sleepiness take over. Therefore, keep yourself engaged. If you are traveling with family or friends, you can engage them in conversation or play a game when you feel bored.

Otherwise, music can be great. Play songs that you are familiar with so you can recall the lyrics, which keeps you alert. Podcasts and audiobooks can also help you out.

Even chewing gum can be an engaging activity that helps you remain focused. And, if you feel sleepiness creeping, quickly take a break, stretch, and drink a hot beverage.

2. Plan Your Stops

Stopping on the highways is not a piece of cake. Therefore, do a bit of research before you start. For instance, go through the route map, plan your stops, bookmark fuel stations, etc.

You can plan your breaks every 2-3 hours. You can enjoy a healthy snack, use the restroom, or even shut your eyes for a few minutes during the break. But don't indulge in too much coffee or chai.

3. Pack Healthy Snacks

We all love the highway restaurants during the long trip. But you cannot afford to upset the tummy. That's why pack healthy snacks with you. It can include granola bars, fruits, or nuts.

Having snacks on hand can also help curb hunger between planned stops. It keeps your mood in check and prevents any headaches or loss of focus.

And, if you want to enjoy specialty eateries on your way, make sure you opt for a hygienic one.

4. Adjust Your Seat with Pillows

Comfort is the key. So, see what you need before you hit the road. For instance, ergonomic seats and back cushions can be extremely beneficial. They can offer added lumbar support and enhance comfort as you drive. These cushions can be easily placed and make long drives super cozy.

The best part is that you can avoid the tailbone or back pain that you usually feel after being seated for long durations.

5. Carry a Neck Pillow for a Break

​​You can carry neck massage pillowswith you for your short breaks. They can provide the support and comfort you need when you stop for rest. For instance, you can use the neck pillow when you take short naps. This ensures your neck stays aligned and relaxed and prevents any soreness or stiffness.

​Neck pillows are travel-friendly and you can easily fit them in your luggage. Some neck pillows also come with built-in massagers for added comfort.

6. Listen to Your Body

Remember, there's no rule or a single trip to make your long drives easy. At the end of the day, you must listen to yourself. See what fits your needs. If your body is saying something, listen to it. It's okay to take breaks whenever you feel like.

Also, keep an eye on your exhaustion levels. If needed, stop for a quick nap. Make safety your first priority.

Wrapping Up

Long drives can be fun when you do it right.

Remember, proper rest is super crucial before you begin your journey. When you get at least 7 hours of sleep, you feel alert and focused. Your mood is also joyous and you are ready to happily tackle the day. Apart from that, take care of your in-car comfort.

For instance, the Ergo Seat and Back Cushion Combo by The Sleep Company can be your comfort partner. It provides relief from any lower back or tailbone pain and offers you exquisite support. It is breathable, maintains spinal alignment, and intelligently adapts to your body shape.

What are you waiting for? Make your drive comfortable and enjoyable with the right support today!

FAQs

1. How to prepare for a 9-hour drive?

To prepare yourself for a 9-hour drive, here are a few tips you can follow.

• Enjoy a proper sleep before your journey starts
• Eat a healthy meal and keep yourself hydrated
• Stay engaged throughout the journey
• Take frequent breaks
• Don't overdo the caffeine

2. How to build stamina for driving?

To build stamina for driving, you must opt for regular exercise. This can improve your endurance. Also, practice you’re driving and make necessary tweaks to improve yourself along the way.

3. How can I drive longer without getting tired?

If you want to go on a long drive without feeling tired, it is important that you enjoy a proper rest. Sleep for at least 8 hours where you get quality sleep. This makes a world of difference. Also, take breaks during the drive and keep yourself engaged.

4. How do you sleep during the long drive?

You must always sleep before your long drive. However, if you are feeling extremely tired, opt for a power nap. But park your car somewhere safe and lock all doors and windows. Set your alarm so you won't do it. Power naps can help boost your energy when needed.

5. How long should you sleep before a long drive?

Get a full night’s rest and sleep for at least 7 to 8 hours before a long drive. This will keep you alert, and more focused and make sure you are in a good mood.