To be worried about driving with no sleep

[Imustbemad00]

So we have a 6:15am flight. I’m driving, airport is about an hour away so no point staying in a nearby hotel or anything, and can’t really afford the extra cost.
Will probably have to leave home around 2am. I never really drive at night so that makes me slightly nervous although this shouldn’t be too much of an issue as roads will be quiet and I’ll have sat nav.
The main issue is that I’m not going to be able to sleep and will be knackered by 2am. I’m quite worried.
I suppose if I’m super organised and everything is completely packed in the car and ready to go I could probably get a couple of hours. Although the organised part is unlikely as I’ll have been at work all day. By the time the kids fall asleep ect I’d have to get up again at 1ish.

Any suggestions? Does this sound safe?

If need a hotel with a weeks parking included though, and a family room. The cheapest I’ve found is £135 but I’ll check it out. Not going for another couple of months

I don't think you'd feel exhausted at 2/3am after a nap of a few hours. Get an early night or can you take an afternoon nap. I'm a shift worker so it wouldn't bother me, I'd say you'd feel more tired once your you're in the airport waiting around and on your flight.

You'll be fine. 4 hours sleep is loads. And the kids will enjoy getting up and going to the airport in the dark.

I'd go early or look into airport taxis. I'm over an hour from the airport and a return taxi is around £100. Uber isn't the best place to look for a taxi price. And once you factor in the 75 quid parking and petrol an airport taxi could actually be cheaper

Its just a one off, so I don't think it's a problem really. I mean, babies, a bout of insomnia, having to pull an all nighter with work/studying - most of us have to occasionally be able to function on very little sleep, and as an occasional thing, adrenalin will keep you going. I don't honestly think it's worth worrying over.

25 years ago a man got into his car at the airport and drove home, it was supposed to be a 40 minute drive. He had not slept for 24 hours and hit my car head on, he killed my boyfriend instantly. He was prosecuted for causing death by dangerous driving based on his lack of sleep.

@Whatjusthappenedthere
That’s terrible. I’m really sorry

I won’t of not slept for 24 hours though. It’s be 19 hours if I don’t sleep, but I will likely have a few hours before setting off.

I wouldn’t do it if I thought I was a danger with my kids in the car. That’s why I was asking on here for advice.

Hi OP,
Apologies, mine wasn’t a fair post. Your original post brought it back. We have all had to drive in less than ideal circumstances from time to time.

Check out fast track security too, usually 3 or 4 quid per person, but means you skip the queue. Wouldn't expect security to take any lo ger than 10-15 mins.

I’ve done it the 2am alarm for drive to airport. I never slept, I just got up and showered as if I had slept, drive to parking- then got to check in etc. On arrival at destination I stayed up all day and got an early first night

The big thing for me was resting and then the shower as normal.

Tbh a cheap hotel and a 4am alarm sounds better

@Whatjusthappenedthere
Of course, that’s understandable. I’m sorry it brought back memories for you

For those advising you to get a hotel and set your alarm for 4am only if you want to miss the check in for your flight or possibly the flight itself!

@Whatjusthappenedthere how heartbreaking

You will be fine then for a one hour's drive on an empty road.You will be so awake by the time you have the kids in the car

An example deplorable/dangerous advice that can be handed out on MN.

Driving when tired causes 1 in 5 crashes according to www.theaa.com/driving-advice/safety/tired-drivers

You need to find an alternative solution which does not jeopardise you, your family and anyone else out driving at that time.

Could you not take the day off work as leave? I’ve done this before, made sure I was packed had sleep in the day for a while

My 2yo was up from 12-4.30am overnight so I got about 3/4 hours broken sleep and I feel totally fine to drive. I've got a little bit of a headache and will need an early night tonight but that's it.
As long as you're generally getting enough sleep then one night won't make a huge difference.

kaytee87

Absolutely!
Many thousands of new parents get 4ish hours of sleep or less a night (and often every night, not just as a one off), and they drive without thought. Shift workers, people suffering from insomnia. Pregnant women suffering from difficulty sleeping.

It's not ideal, but for an hour journey as a one off, it's surely in the realm of risk that most of us take without too much worry.

I still think getting 4 hours sleep is very optimistic but It seems I haven’t got much choice.

Does everyone else fall asleep as soon as their head hits the pillow? If I went to bed at 10 pm I'd still be awake at midnight. Might fall asleep by 1 am if I'm lucky!

No that’s why it’s optimistic. The more I will try to sleep the longer I’ll stay awake. Then it will get past 11pm and I’ll end up getting up as there’ll be no point. Then I’ll most likely feel like I’m ready to fall asleep an hour before I have to leave, panic, and drink lots of coffee

I understand why you are worried op. The panic of having to sleep would keep me awake.

Get a sleep hypnosis app and some lavender balm and use them in the run up to get some early nights and get used to drifting off easier.

If nothing else it will help you to relax a but at least and hopefully will help you to get the whole 4 hours.

I would probably set my alarm an hour earlier on the day so I would be tired by 9pm and more likely to get to sleep.

Have everything packed and ready at least a day before you need to go.