People are often quite energetic and enthusiastic when they begin a long-awaited journey, but doze off in the next hour or so. Do you know why this happens? There could be end number of reasons behind this and it is not just because of exhaustion or tiredness!
Let us explore the science behind this along with other reasons.
Vibration causes Drowsiness – The para-sympathetic nervous system gets stimulated by low frequency vibration and leads to a sense of relaxation and drowsiness. The effect may vary from person to person; some people feel sleepier than others and fall off to sleep within minutes of starting their journey. Of course! The driver has to take steps like turning on the music or talking constantly to the other passengers to avoid feeling sleepy, especially while driving at night.
White Noise helps in Sleeping – Studies have shown that white noise helps in sleeping and also improves the sleep quality. This is one of the reasons that parents use white noise to make small babies sleep soundly at night. It blocks out any kind of disruptions that hamper sleep. People who are accustomed to sleeping with white noise turned on, tend to feel sleepy while traveling as their brain is cued by the steady rhythm of the boat, airplane or car.
We are Wired to Feel Sleepy while in Motion – Human beings are wired to sleep in motion from the mother’s womb. The foetus is used to the gentle rocking in the uterus and even the newborns sleep quickly when they are gently rocked in the mother’s lap or a cradle. Some adults retain this association between drowsiness and gentle motion.
We may be Tired or the Journey might be Boring – Long journeys can sap your energyand make you drowsy. Moreover, if the journey is long and monotonous, and you have nothing interesting to do, it is natural to feel sleepy.
Impact of Weather: Rainy weather, with its rhythmic sound and visual monotony, can enhance drowsiness in travelers due to its resemblance to white noise.
Wrapping up
Not everyone feels equally drowsy while traveling. Age, sleep patterns, and individual sensitivity to motion and noise can all affect how sleepy someone feels.
However, getting adequate rest and sound sleep is important for good health, no matter whether it is in bed or while travelling.
