Having a Good Night's Sleep in a Semi-Truck

Possibly the worst aspect of having to driving a semi-truck, or a truck of any kind, is the amount of sleep that you're not likely to get. It is perhaps axiomatic to mention that, to those who get their full quota of sleep per night, it's somewhat unimaginable, and therefore unable to appreciate how much like torture a lack of sleep feels like. Usually semi-truck drivers are paid based on the amount of hours on the road. It is thus inevitable that semi-truck drivers will attempt to squash in as many jobs as possible, and that often means a lack of sleep.

The recommended amount of rest is 8 hours per every 16 hours on the road. There are countless incidents per year whereby a semi-truck is involved. Most of these can be attributed to carelessness arising from a lack of sleep. In many countries, these hours are heavily enforced to prevent any unnecessary incidents.

There is a common occurrence amongst semi-truck drivers and other drivers alike, in that they take along somebody with them. When the driver becomes too tired to continue driving down the road, then their co-driver takes over. This method of alternating between drivers, every 8 hours or so, allows each of the drivers to maximise their earnings, because the semi-truck is never stationary, and therefore it is always earning a dime. There is absolutely nothing wrong in this method, but if nobody else is willing, then having a good night's sleep in your semi-truck is perhaps the best you can hope for.

Nonetheless, let us assume that you have found somebody to sit in the passenger's seat, and willing to take over the driving once you become too tired. It is imperative that you find somebody who is likeable. If arguments and other disagreements arise quite frequently, then it is perhaps not an advisable co-partner. Just imagine that you'll be inside this semi-truck, a confined space, for prolonged hours, and therefore a friendly atmosphere is a requirement.

In addition, it is naturally very difficult in trying to sleep in the back of a semi-truck whilst it is in motion. Therefore, your co-partner should be not an aggressive driver - with frequent accelerations and decelerations. If they were to drive in such a style, then the chance of sleep would be greatly reduced. The active driver at the time should also avoid turning the radio up too high. This again would interfere with the sleep the other person is trying to get. You may both reach a point where you may have to stop the semi-truck altogether, in order for you both to get some quality sleep, as often you'll find that sleeping in a moving semi-truck does not at all guarantee a good night's sleep - especially when you are not accustomed to it. Whilst this may reduce your earnings somewhat, it is perhaps safer for everybody on the road - including both occupants of the semi-truck.

If you are finding it difficult to sleep in the semi-truck, then there are sleeping aids which may assist in your falling asleep. Firstly, some good earplugs or noise cancelling headphones would help in reducing the noise from the road when the rig is moving. Also, some kind of mask for the eyes to prevent any incoming light from car lights, street lights, or even sunlight. By adding extra padding to the bed will also ensure the bumps of the road aren't felt so severely when you're attempting to sleep. These can all assist in promoting a good night's sleep in your semi-truck.

By doing all this, you can hopefully sleep well. The temptation to use any sleeping pills, or even amphetamines to stay awake for longer periods of time, should be avoided altogether. While you're trying to maximise your earnings, you do not wish to lose your license completely, because this would have dire consequences. It may even end in serious injury or, potentially, fatalities. Natural and common-sense approaches should be taken to fall asleep. After all, nothing beats a natural night's sleep!