<p>When it comes to truck driving, one major challenge of the job is being able to stay alert while on the clock.</p>
<p>While it might sound easy, when you’re working through the nights, the lull of the truck can quickly tempt you to take a sneaky snooze.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter" alt="" src="http://myblogguest.com/forum/uploads/articles/2013/6/truck.jpg" width="535" height="400" /></p>
<p>From exercises and taking regular breaks to caffeinated beverages and sugar laden sweets,</p>
<p>we’ve come up with some tips so you can safely stay sharp while at the wheel.</p>
<h2><strong> Coffee/Tea</strong></h2>
<p>One easy way to stay awake and perhaps the obvious option, is to grab a cup of coffee.</p>
<p>Whether you like it hot or iced,</p>
<p>a strong black one with an extra shot of espresso will do just the job to keep you wide awake.</p>
<p>However, if you’re not that tired, and don’t need such a large amount of caffeine, tea is another good option – which has a much smaller caffeine count.</p>
<p>For those looking for a happy medium, green tea is a good option and as it’s packed full of antioxidants, it’s good for you too!</p>
<h2><strong> Energy Drinks</strong></h2>
<p>For a quick surge of energy, opt for an energy drink. However, if you’re in for a long-haul journey,</p>
<p>it’s probably better to pace yourself with the beverages mentioned above – which release caffeine into your system a little more gradually.</p>
<h2><strong>Chocolate </strong></h2>
<p>If you’re not thirsty or have a dodgy cup holder, you can avoid any potential spillage by opting for this cocoa-rich treat.</p>
<p>The higher the cocoa content, the greater the caffeine count – and to make it easy, the colour is an easy way to tell how much cocoa is in the creamy delicacy.</p>
<p>Dark chocolate has the most &#8211; while milk chocolate has lower amounts with white containing the least.</p>
<p>If you don’t have access to the rich stuff, a chocolate bar will work too – which has lots of sugar in it too.</p>
<p>One with nuts is even better – giving you more energy. But be careful how much sugar you consume, as the crash might give you a headache!</p>
<h2><strong>Caffeine Pills</strong></h2>
<p>If you just want the straight caffeine, try the pill form.</p>
<p>But if you’re going to go this route, make sure you read the recommended daily amount, and be sure that you do not exceed it!</p>
<h2><strong>Exercises</strong></h2>
<p>There are also plenty of natural ways for you to keep your concentration.</p>
<p>Take several breaks, and hop out of your lorry if you can.</p>
<p>If you don’t have time to go for a stroll, even just doing a few star jumps is enough to get your heart rate up and keep your circulation going – which is what helps keep you awake!</p>
<h2><strong>Power Naps</strong></h2>
<p>If you do end up succumbing to sleepiness – it’s best to pull over and give your eyes a rest.</p>
<p>15-minute snoozes are a great way to refresh, but be sure to not have any longer or you’ll wake up groggy!</p>
<h2><strong> Music</strong></h2>
<p>If all else fails, another guaranteed pick-me-up is to monitor your music.</p>
<p>Make sure the tunes you pick are upbeat and loud. Listening to the radio is also a good way to keep you entertained while at the wheel.</p>
<h5>Featured images:</h5>
<p><span class="license">License: Creative Commons</span></p>
<p><span class="source">image source</span></p>
<p>Morven McCulloch has been writing about how truck drivers can stay alert at the wheel.</p>
<p>Check out HGV Express for more information on becoming a licensed lorry driver.</p>

Truck Driving Tips To Stay Awake
