Wake up behind the wheel

Statistics say lack of sleep is one major cause of car accidents. Do heavy eyes ever plague you on the road? If so, try these three remedies for staying awake and alert.

• Suck on a mint. Researchers report that the scents of peppermint and cinnamon boost altertness and cut down on fatigue. Pop a mint in your mouth on your next road trip and see if it works.

• Crank up the tunes. Fast music with high frequency sounds -- high voices, violins, saxophones -- may cause your brain waves, heart rate, and breath to speed up to match the rhythm of the music.

• Grab a cup of Joe. One recent study found that drinking coffee might be more effective than a power nap. Good reason to swing by that roadside Starbucks.
  
  

Source: Woman's Day magazine, April 2008