Commuters - How do you stay awake?

[Jand3rson]

I've got a question for all you commuters out there. The job I'm currently working on is 50 miles from my house, about an hour drive with traffic. I have to be there at 7:00 am, which means I have to leave my house at 6:00, which means I have to get up at about 5:30. During the drive out there, it's still dark, and I have a hard time staying awake on the road. I catch myself nodding off for microseconds at a time, and drifting around in my lane a lot, not very able to keep my eyes open.

I've been getting coffee for a long time (Starbucks is literally around the corner from my house), but coffee is starting to... not agree with me. Long story short, I lay waste to the bathroom when I get to work, and proceed to rip ass for the rest of the day until about lunch. I've also tried energy drinks, but they're kind of starting to do the same thing. I have a pretty wussy stomach, it's true.

So how do you guys that have to commute early in the morning do it? I'm sure most of you are going to say coffee, but that's not really an option for me anymore. Any good suggestions?

[Stephen]

Loud music and rolled down windows

[Jand3rson]

Loud music and rolled down windows

Loud music doesn't help, and it's too early for that shizz. Rolled down windows won't do, either. It was 30 degrees this morning.

[Stephen]

Ouch. Hm, the only other thing i do is try to keep the car cool [ not a prob at 30 ] and try not to stay still too long, even if its just readjusting in the seat.

[Charlie]

Meth.

-Charlie

[Danny]

6 hour power from 7/11

[bignate948]

i usally listen to music and tap my fingers on the wheel lol (you cant fall asleep when your hands are moving) but that would prob get tiring after a while

[JasonC]

I feel lucky, for some odd reason, no matter how tired i am. I never feel sleepy at the wheel. But when i get out of the car. It's like i hit a brick wall, and want to lay down and fall asleep.

[Jand3rson]

6 hour power from 7/11

I was actually going to ask, has anyone tried those 5 Hour Energy things? Do they actually work?

[RickSloan]

i know its 30 but roll the windows down, trust me that will def keep you awake!

and if you can't take loud music, sing to yourself and make sure your trying to get every word. it will make you concentrate and distract you from how tired you are.

[jrobie79]

cigarettes, cause u are doing something physical which keeps me awake, it might be small but the motion of holding it up to your mouth and exhale works

edit: chewing gum sometimes works too, or dipping skoal, i dont usually do that stuff but i had some left over from my buddy in my car and i was exhausted driving through boston traffic at rush house and it held me up till i got home

[Nicademus]

I stick my head out the window, slap myself in the face, coffee or energy drinks (but I have a huge tolerance so they don't work too good).

The thing that works best for me is talk radio because it keeps my mind active and doesn't allow it to day dream and drift away. I actually like to stick my head out the window when driving. Oh and make sure to sit with good posture in your seat rather than lounging.

Zipfizz works really well, just remember that I drink it every day :) Make sure to take a shower in the morning, get your blood flowing, pushups or something.

[Pinepig]

I feel lucky, for some odd reason, no matter how tired i am. I never feel sleepy at the wheel. But when i get out of the car. It's like i hit a brick wall, and want to lay down and fall asleep.

I have the same thing, put the wheel/yoke or a car/plane and I'm not going to sleep no matter how tired I am. I can't even sleep as a passenger.

[theox69]

Eat an apple. I've heard apples give you just as much energy if not more as coffee does, because of their sucrose(sugar) content.

[e34john]

You have traffic that early? I used to have to be at work at 5AM. Just have to get used to it I guess, because if I don't want to be awake I will go to sleep with a half finished can of Redbull in my hand. I have no trouble driving to work in the morning and its still early and dark so I usually just haul ass. Its the drive home that kills me.

I say a candy bar. Nibble on it the entire ride, eating something will keep you occupied and the sugar should help.