Herbie Murray
Sleeping on the highway tonight could refer to highway hypnosis, which is when a driver zones out while driving, usually on a monotonous stretch of road. This phenomenon is dangerous, as it impairs the driver's alertness and ability to react to their surroundings. In the United States, drowsy driving is a significant safety hazard, with approximately 91,000 vehicle accidents and 800 fatalities attributed to drowsy driving in 2017 alone. The phrase sleeping on the highway can also be used metaphorically, sometimes as a joke, to indicate a desire to end one's life by stepping in front of traffic.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Meaning | People say "sleeping on the highway" when they want to kill themselves, although it is often said as a joke |
| Drowsy driving | A major safety hazard in the U.S. |
| Highway hypnosis | A state of mind where drivers zone out or fall asleep while driving |
| Warning signs | Occurs more frequently in the late afternoon or between 12 am and 6 am; occurs on rural roads and highways; drivers are alone in the car |
| Prevention | Stop every hour or two; get out of the car and move around; take a short nap; consume caffeine; turn on the air conditioning; play loud, upbeat music; avoid cruise control; sit upright |
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What You'll Learn
Drowsy driving is dangerous
Drowsy driving is a major safety hazard in the US. In 2017, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimated that roughly 91,000 vehicle accidents—and nearly 800 fatalities—were attributed to crashes involving drowsy driving. These figures are likely underestimates, and the true impact of drowsy driving is difficult to determine.
Certain driving environments pose a higher risk of drowsy driving-related accidents. Most collisions occur when a driver is alone, with no passengers, and they run off the road at high speed without braking. These crashes frequently occur on rural roads and highways, during natural energy dips controlled by the body's internal clock. The riskiest times for drowsy driving are between midnight and 6 am and in the late afternoon.
To prevent drowsy driving, it is crucial to get adequate sleep, especially before a long trip. Building in time for multiple stops along the way to recharge is essential. Avoiding alcohol and sedatives, which can interfere with sleep quality, is also recommended. When possible, travelling with a companion who can share driving duties and help keep the driver alert is beneficial. Staying vigilant for signs of drowsiness, such as crossing over roadway lines or hitting a rumble strip, is crucial for driver safety.
If you start to feel sleepy while driving, drinking one or two cups of coffee and taking a short 20-minute nap in a safe place can help. However, it is important to remember that coffee and energy drinks may not be enough to counteract serious sleep deprivation, and "micro-sleeps" can still occur. Therefore, the best way to prevent drowsy driving is to prioritise getting seven to eight hours of sleep per night and ensuring you are well-rested before getting behind the wheel.
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Highway hypnosis
"Highway hypnosis", also known as "white line fever", is a phenomenon that causes a person to enter a trance-like, altered mental state while driving. In this state, a person can drive a car or truck and respond to external events in the expected, safe, and correct manner, but with no recollection of having done so consciously. The term "highway hypnosis" was coined by G. W. Williams in 1963, building on Ernest Hilgard's theories of hypnosis as an altered state of awareness.
Monotonous scenery, or the "flicker" of light glare and white lane markings, is believed to be a major contributing factor to highway hypnosis. The monotony of the road can slow down the brain, reducing alertness and causing the driver to function on autopilot. In addition, research has shown that fatigue and drowsiness can also play a significant role in highway hypnosis. The longer a person spends driving, the more likely they are to experience this phenomenon, and the more likely they are to fall asleep.
There are several warning signs that may indicate a person is experiencing highway hypnosis. These include a blank expression or glassy-eyed stare, catching oneself drifting into the next lane or driving onto the rumble strip, and suddenly realizing one has passed their freeway exit or cannot remember the last several miles driven. If a person notices any of these signs, it is recommended that they stop the car and rest or do light physical exercises. Taking breaks every three hours of monotonous driving, even if one does not feel tired, can also help prevent highway hypnosis.
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Warning signs to watch for
"Sleeping on the highway" is an expression used by people who are considering suicide. It implies that a person intends to sleep on a busy road, knowing that they will be hit by passing cars. While many use the phrase as a joke, it is a serious issue that causes concern.
- Highway hypnosis: This occurs when a driver zones out and operates their vehicle on autopilot, leaving them less alert and responsive to their surroundings. Warning signs include not remembering the last several minutes of your drive, missing road signs, or not recalling whether you used your turn signal. To prevent highway hypnosis, it's important to get enough sleep before driving, check your medications for drowsiness side effects, and drive during the day instead of at night.
- Drowsy driving: Driving while tired is a significant safety hazard that can lead to accidents and fatalities. Warning signs of drowsy driving include "micro sleeps," which are brief lapses of sleep lasting four to five seconds. Most drowsy driving accidents occur when the driver is alone in the car, on rural roads or highways, and during natural energy dips in the late afternoon or between 12 am and 6 am. To avoid drowsy driving, take breaks every hour or two during long drives, consume caffeine, and maintain good posture by sitting upright in your seat.
It is crucial to prioritize road safety and be vigilant for any signs of drowsiness or highway hypnosis while driving. Taking preventative measures, such as adequate sleep and staying alert, can help ensure the well-being of both the driver and other road users.
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Tips to stay awake while driving
Falling asleep at the wheel is a major safety hazard. In 2017, the National High Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimated that roughly 91,000 vehicle accidents – and nearly 800 fatalities – were attributed to crashes involving drowsy driving. To avoid becoming a statistic, follow these tips to stay awake while driving:
Plan ahead
If you have to drive overnight, try to adjust your sleeping schedule ahead of time. For 3-5 days beforehand, sleep during the day and stay up at night. Avoid driving during the times you would usually be asleep. Start your trip when you're fresh and alert.
Take breaks
Stop in a safe, well-populated place at least every 2 hours to walk around and stretch. If you can, take a passenger with you so you can take turns driving and stay awake by talking to each other.
Caffeinate
Have a couple of cups of coffee or another caffeinated drink before you set off. However, be aware that caffeine can make some people sleepy, so if that's you, avoid it.
Turn down the temperature
It's harder to fall asleep when you're cold, so turn on the air conditioning or roll down the windows.
Listen to music
Create a playlist of upbeat songs to keep you awake and stop you from dozing off. Sing along if you're alone in the car – it's harder to fall asleep when you're singing.
Snack smart
Eat easy-to-grab snacks like chips or popcorn one at a time so your arm has to keep moving. Avoid heavy foods that will make you sleepy, and stay away from high-sugar snacks, which will cause an energy crash later.
Stay alert
Watch your posture and hold your head up to avoid slouching. Turn off cruise control so you have to keep your body active by applying pressure to the gas and brake pedals. Adjust your seat position regularly so you don't get too comfortable.
Remember, if you feel drowsy, find a safe place to pull over and rest before continuing your journey.
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Caffeine and naps can help
"Sleeping on the highway tonight" could refer to the dangers of drowsy driving, which is a major safety hazard in the U.S. In fact, in 2017, roughly 91,000 vehicle accidents and nearly 800 fatalities were attributed to crashes involving drowsy driving.
To prevent drowsy driving, caffeine and naps can help. A "coffee nap" combines the two, and it involves drinking coffee and then immediately taking a short nap of around 15-20 minutes. This allows the caffeine to kick in while you sleep, so you can wake up more alert and energised.
Caffeine works by blocking a neurotransmitter called adenosine, which is a naturally occurring chemical in the body that promotes feelings of sleepiness. Adenosine accumulates throughout the day, making you feel sleepier as the day goes on. A short nap may help clear out adenosine, reducing sleepiness. While you nap, the caffeine has time to compete with adenosine, taking its place and blocking it from making you feel sleepy.
Several studies have shown the effectiveness of coffee naps. In one study, participants who took a coffee nap were better at maintaining alertness, logical reasoning, and performance tests compared to those who only took a nap. Coffee naps can be especially beneficial for drivers and night shift workers, enhancing cognitive and physical performance, problem-solving, and mental acuity.
However, it is important to note that naps and caffeine cannot replace a good night's sleep. Additionally, consuming caffeine too late in the day can interfere with your sleep schedule and lead to a cycle of fatigue and increased reliance on caffeine. Therefore, it is recommended to skip the coffee nap if it's a few hours before bedtime and instead try hydrating and winding down to prepare for a good night's rest.
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Frequently asked questions
"Sleeping on the highway tonight" is a phrase that means to sleep in one's car on the side of a highway or road. It is often used by people who are travelling long distances and need to take a break, or by those who are homeless and sleeping in their cars. The phrase can also be used as a figure of speech to indicate that someone is very tired and could fall asleep anywhere, including on a highway.
Sleeping on the highway can be extremely dangerous as one risks being hit by passing cars. Thus, the phrase is also sometimes used by people who are considering suicide, although often as a joke.
Highway hypnosis is a state of mind where one zones out while driving, usually on a long, monotonous stretch of road. While one may not have technically fallen asleep, highway hypnosis leaves one less than fully alert and can have serious consequences.
If you find yourself unable to recall the last several minutes of your drive, you may be experiencing highway hypnosis. Other warning signs include feeling sleepy, and micro sleeps of four to five seconds, which are brief lapses into sleep.
To avoid highway hypnosis, ensure you get enough sleep before hitting the road and check that any medications you're taking do not cause drowsiness. Drive during the day, and take a break every hour or two to get out of your car and move around. If you feel tired, caffeine can help boost alertness, and having a snack can also help break up the monotony of driving.
