Stay awake with Red Bull
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• A university professor is urging tired drivers to try the new generation of 'energy drinks' to avoid the risk of nodding off at the wheel—but he dismisses some techniques currently favoured by tired truckers.
Professor J[m Horne. who runs the sleep research centre at Loughborough University, says: "Exercise and wandering around the service area is a waste of time. Take caffeine or energy drinks. Two energy cans will be pretty effective."
Horne is currently investigating the effect of Red Bull, a high caffeine drink, on a driver's energy levels, saying it delivers a controlled level of natural stimulant.
Home's studies have revealed that one in four motorway deaths is caused by fatigue. He warns that truck drivers are at a higher risk of failing asleep and crashing because of their irregular hours, with people more prone to sleepiness in the early hours. Horne adds that many truck drivers are overweight and can also sleep poorly as a result of overeating.