Sleep is always important, but in truck driving, it's essential!
One of the biggest transitions, besides being away from home for weeks at a time, is going from sleeping in a bed to sleeping on a semi-truck. Getting enough sleep can make or break your trucking career, so getting a good night's sleep is essential. When you are OTR, you want to make sure that you have enough energy to finish the number of hours you need to drive that day, and sleep plays a big part in that. Your body needs a schedule, make sure you put aside the same time each day to get your correct amount of sleep hours. Remember, it's not just your life at stake, it's anyone else on the road with you as well.
Whether you are a team or solo driver, the transition will not be an easy one, and it is smart to prepare for it ahead of time. Take a look at the videos below from Trucker Glenn who has years of experience (solo and team driving) with sleeping in a semi-truck.
Sleeping in a Semi: Hours & Schedule for Truck Drivers
How To Make Sleeping In A Semi-Truck Easier
- If you are a team driver, it will be the hardest to get used to the truck moving while you're trying to sleep. Especially if you're a light sleeper.
- Try to make sure you are as comfortable as possible with all your pillows, blankets, cushions, etc.
- It is extremely important for solo AND team drivers to get the proper amount of rest. If you do not do so, it will be a long and tough day of driving for you.
- For the first couple hours of your break, you will have some time to do extracurricular activities. Watch tv, talk on the phone, exercise, etc. But once those couple of hours are up, it is important that you head to bed right away to get the proper amount of sleep you need.
- Trucker Glenn suggests getting 7 1/2 - 8 hours of sleep to be confident in yourself while driving.
Getting enough sleep is essential to have a healthy work-life balance while trucking OTR. If you follow the above suggestions from Trucker Glenn, you will be comfortable sleeping in a semi-truck in no time!
Ready to Roll?
When you're ready to take the leap, join our program at Driver Solutions. We offer a sponsored CDL training program, with little upfront costs to you. Why not take a leap with one of the best truck driver recruiting companies! To get started, fill out an application here.