Night Time Lonliness

Huge difference between being alone and loneliness.. I miss my family naturally, however, I'm not uncomfortable being alone. Don't really figure it's attributed to any certain activity as such. That said, routine seems to be important to a feeling of stability.

Well, you've gotten some great advice. Also, you're doing a great job by asking these questions. I'm usually so tired when I stop all I want to do is sleep. I like to stretch my legs and explore the truck stop. I talk on the phone with friends and family. I play games or watch stuff on my phone. On most days, within and hour of stopping, I'm asleep. I am just finishing a 34. I did laundry, had a nice conversation with a couple of seasoned drivers, and walked about 10 minutes down the road to a Dollar General and some restaurants. Think of what you like to do now. People are quite creative out here. Also, you will find your truck always needs cleaning.

Also, now that the sun will be staying out longer, walk a lot. A good set of ear buds, some classic rock and you can do laps at the truck stop. Keep your eyes open, but this can stave off a thing called deep vein thrombosis. As well as depression. And read. 😎

Chiller, the solitude of this dramatic change in lifestyle definitely has differing effects on people. Some folks seem to be made for it, while others really struggle with it. It's really odd spending weeks at a time without actually seeing somebody that you know. Here's a link to an excellent article on this very subject.

The Solitude of Trucking.

I've found uhh creative ways to enjoy myself. Like building a semi mini custom PC to fit into the locker (sorta). I have around 50-60 games installed that I can pick from depending on having good internet or not. I also have a metric ton of movies I can pick from to watch.

All about making the most of your new found home!

My truck must look like something Fred Flintstone would drive compared to all that tech!

It's alright Pete, I spent a couple years of my life living like the flintstones overseas. I made sure I setup my home on wheels with whatever creature comforts could realistically fit without posing a safety risk.

Funny enough, I listen to a wide range of Audio books for most of the day I'm out. My library grows by 2-3 books every couple days. Books are not a bad way to spend time.

Reading and taking more online courses for my next degree. I've often thought it would be great for someone that enjoys building models, and good for working with your hands doing knitting or even try creating oragami objects.

I carry a sketch pad and drawing pencils, a Kindle fire (I read a lot), a laptop and I have DirecTv in my truck. I have way more to do than I have downtime to do those things. Yes, my truck always needs cleaning too.

Get yourself a laptop and a webcam and skype with family and friends. I keep in touch with my family and my wife loves it. We have conversations every night and sometimes when I am driving we talk on the phone. It brings us closer. Also try getting a netflix or Hulu account, they literally help me to pass away the hours on a 34 reset.

Most truckers I have found all have their avenue to get over the lonely nights in the truck. Some hang out in the lounges or do laundry/shower, etc. It won't take you long to get used to it, and when you are home you will appreciate your time with loved ones a hell of a lot more.

I was just wondering the same thing. What if you can't sleep, and only have 8 hours? I am not a trucker yet, but I like to watch my health.

Recently, on 1/24/2018, Coast to Coast AM had the excellent depression researcher Johann Hari, who says depression is not a chemical imbalance, it's a sign of personal needs not being met. Maybe someone will upload the C2C interview onto youtube.

"Uncovering the Real Causes of Depression | Johann Hari | RSA Replay" https://youtu.be/k-MgYy2hfaU

General health tip, just sent to me by my buddy -A simple 30 min walk a day- "23 and 1/2 hours: What is the single best thing we can do for our health?" https://youtu.be/aUaInS6HIGo

I was just wondering the same thing. What if you can't sleep, and only have 8 hours? I am not a trucker yet, but I like to watch my health.

Recently, on 1/24/2018, Coast to Coast AM had the excellent depression researcher Johann Hari, who says depression is not a chemical imbalance, it's a sign of personal needs not being met. Maybe someone will upload the C2C interview onto youtube.

"Uncovering the Real Causes of Depression | Johann Hari | RSA Replay" https://youtu.be/k-MgYy2hfaU

General health tip, just sent to me by my buddy -A simple 30 min walk a day- "23 and 1/2 hours: What is the single best thing we can do for our health?" https://youtu.be/aUaInS6HIGo

As silly as it sounds, you just gotta find a way to sleep to be safe. Being an Army vet I learned very quickly how to sleep when able, even when my mind and body said "I Don't wanna sleep!". Turn off any lights, stay away from phone screens, TV's etc. The blue light tricks the mind into thinking it's not sleep time.

Find your triggers that keep you awake and try to avoid them. Hell, I still jump up throughout the night cause my truck decides 3am is a great time to regen...Grrr..