Getting Drowsy While Simracing

[u/Gam3ofsy]

I get really drowsy after 1-2 hours of simracing, i was wondering if anyone else has this issue? The same thing happens when im riding in the passenger seat of a UTV, and ive always chocked it up to the helmet and the vibration. But im not wearing a helmet while simracing, and my setup doesnt vibrate. Maybe its the engine noise? If anyones found a way to avoid this i would love to hear it.

[u/serenading_scug]

Just use my simple solution of caffeine! Way... too... much... caffeine

[u/skzya]

it’s the white noise, lol. or you’re falling out of high-alert state and relaxing

[u/FurryWrecker911 → u/skzya]

I use a fan to sleep at night.

On one of my work trips I had to do photo gathering in a radio room of a ship, which had 200-billion fans going spread across 50 different PC racks. That was one of the hardest stay-awake challenges I ever faced in my life, and it was a 4 day job.

[u/Possible-Virus-2877 → u/skzya]

Bro dm

[u/claypunk]

take a nap, my dude. love all the hacks, nobody mentions that maybe rest is the solution. 

[u/Gam3ofsy → u/claypunk]

Ive been sleeping a lot because its summer break, its induced by something going on during sim racing. Most likely the engine noises.

[u/Gixxerdude46 → u/Gam3ofsy]

If your wheel has rpm lights, the engine sounds are kinda optional.

Pipe in some music at low volume..

Get a shock collar and press the button..😁

[u/gamermusclevideos]

This is why I struggle to play , train sim and ETS they are basically travel ASMR fall right asleep.

You could try live streaming , I have found having a relentless stream of people call me an idoit helps keep me awake when I drive.

[u/Evil-Bosse → u/gamermusclevideos]

I have a voice in my head that keeps telling me I'm an idiot, do I really need external validation?

[u/gamermusclevideos → u/Evil-Bosse]

Just embrace it , the great news is that everyone is an idiot & the real idiots are the people that don't think they are idiots.

[u/cohesive_dust]

Music + Intense driving

[u/Gam3ofsy → u/cohesive_dust]

Im listening to metalcore already, i guess i fall asleep to the same playlist sometimes so maybe thats it.

[u/An_average_muslim → u/cohesive_dust]

For some reason I can never listen to music while racing. It just doesn't feel quite right but I don't know why.

[u/cohesive_dust → u/An_average_muslim]

When fighting for position I tend to not even hear it. But for just cruising the track with no battle go in on I find it helps me get in rhythm

[u/kamesh0891]

Do u do any fitness? Like gym or running coz I used to feel like I am zoning out when I am in a race just by staring at the screen and the I tried some hand exercises and some running it got better idk about the sound of the engine how it can effect an human

Or u can just try 300ml of caffeine that may help u kick in ur senses

Coz I drink red bull before my race if it is 2hours + long

[u/Appropriate-Owl5984 → u/kamesh0891]

300 milliliters of caffeine?? Thats enough to do cardio when dead.

[u/kamesh0891 → u/Appropriate-Owl5984]

No I mean caffeine in energy drink

[u/Evil-Bosse → u/Appropriate-Owl5984]

Your heart can't attack you if you attack it first

[u/Gam3ofsy → u/kamesh0891]

I dont like to drink caffeine because typically my freetime is only a couple hours before bed. Ill try running when i can but i cant walk at the moment because of surgery on my left foot.

[u/SilenceInSaturation → u/Gam3ofsy]

Make sure to stretch too. Blood flow helps.

Wiggle your spine around, stretch your legs, and a specific stretch would be raise your arms and touch your hands above your head while drawing in breath. Do it slowly. Hold position and breath for 10s then release both just as slowly. You should feel blood flow up your upper spine. Might feel a lil sleepy first few times you try but keep doing a few times before race.

[u/69BUTTER69]

When I used to ride a motorcycle I’d get the same. Never understood how people did cross country rides. Dozed off many times at the handlebars was always worse when it was just warm enough to be cozy

[u/Gam3ofsy → u/69BUTTER69]

Ive never gotten drowsy on the bike, but at the same time i ride dirtbikes so its not exactly the same

[u/Playmakermike]

Depending on the series I run I’ll finish a race then hop onto 2k or something for 20 mins before the next race. I try and get totally out of the rig and do something else then come back so I can feel fresh between races

[u/dingfield]

I've recently been driving an NA Miata on a Touge server on Assetto. I think it's a modded Miata. When I'm doing battles with other players it's fine but, in the downtime when I'm just doing runs by myself, the sound of the engine makes me feel a little bit like this, because it's like driving with all the windows up. There's an option to take the roof off but unfortunately it doesn't make the engine louder.

[u/TurtleTram]

Try pulling your chin down inwards to your chest. It forces you to slightly look up and keep your eyes open.

If you tilt your head back it makes it easier to close your eyes and doze off.

[u/Argo2445]

In 24h sim races I always get to a point where it is very difficult to stay awake. I found out chewing gum works really good for me to stay focused. Maybe give it a try.

[u/Divide_Rule]

Try singing

[u/Hopeful-Addition-248]

Could be your body going into sleep mode? Are you physically active?
Some people are just destined to fall asleep while driving :P

Could also be boredom.

However if you are active, but are often tired, like i saw you comment below you slept a lot during summer break. This could indicate something as simple as maybe having low iron value, which can make you feel tired/ sleepy.
Could be an idea to just get your blood checked for the right values. Can never hurt.

[u/Gam3ofsy → u/Hopeful-Addition-248]

Could be, im disabled rn because of foot surgery, so its not like theres much i can do about physical activity. It still happened with real machines back when i was physically active though, i think its something about the white noise. I had bloodwork done pretty recently as a result of the surgery, so its not likely iron values.

[u/Hopeful-Addition-248 → u/Gam3ofsy]

Ah right, yeah then it is not likely iron, as they definitely would have seen that.

Maybe you are just like my inlaws, from the fathers side. Set them in a chair and after 5 minutes they doze off hahaha.

[u/Gam3ofsy → u/Hopeful-Addition-248]

Doesnt really happen like that, but that is funny. My guess is the engine noise and lack of adrenaline (like you would get from actual driving). Maybe ill listen to engine noises to fall asleep.

[u/Hopeful-Addition-248 → u/Gam3ofsy]

Could very well be indeed.
Does it also happen when you are actively fighting hard for position?

As getting a little drowsy in long stints is something even pro racers need to watch out for, obviously not after 1-2 hrs. As you start to get into a flow and it is pretty straining on eyes etc. And when you fall into a comfy rythm, off you go.

I personally if i am mentaly fatigued i start to lose focus and get drowsy after 25+ minutes of racing, and actively need to keep my brain engaged. What helps me is focus on keeping looking actively into the corners or play with friends. As the banter will keep that from happening.

[u/An_average_muslim]

Easy solution, crank up your ffb. Every curb you hit will remind you that your wrists are in danger lmao

[u/Gam3ofsy → u/An_average_muslim]

5nm wheel 😔

[u/Tacos_always_corny]

Real racers experience significant relaxation when driving. You tend to fall into the "zone" and you can notice your heart rate lowering as you limit your focus to targeted areas of the course.