If you’re on the night shift or find yourself swamped with important tasks, you might need to stay up late to get your work done. Staying alert and diligent during the dark hours can be difficult, since it goes against your body’s natural circadian rhythm. [1] X Research source Fortunately, when you start to doze off, there are plenty of methods to stay awake other than guzzling unhealthy energy drinks! From preparation strategies to tips for counteracting sleepiness, we’ve compiled the best ways to keep you energized after the sun goes down.
Steps
wikiHow Quiz: Why Can't I Sleep?
Expert Q&A
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QuestionHow do you survive an all-nighter?Alex Dimitriu, MD is the Owner of Menlo Park Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine, a clinic based in the San Francisco Bay Area with expertise in psychiatry, sleep, and transformational therapy. Alex earned his Doctor of Medicine from Stony Brook University in 2005 and graduated from the Stanford University School of Medicine's Sleep Medicine Residency Program in 2010. Professionally, Alex has dual board certification in psychiatry and sleep medicine.Try combining caffeine with a power nap for an even bigger energy boost. Drink a cup of coffee, then immediately take a 45-minute nap. When you wake up, the coffee will start kicking in and you'll feel extra rested.
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QuestionHow can I stay awake at night to study?Alex Dimitriu, MD is the Owner of Menlo Park Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine, a clinic based in the San Francisco Bay Area with expertise in psychiatry, sleep, and transformational therapy. Alex earned his Doctor of Medicine from Stony Brook University in 2005 and graduated from the Stanford University School of Medicine's Sleep Medicine Residency Program in 2010. Professionally, Alex has dual board certification in psychiatry and sleep medicine.Being bored can make you feel more tired. Switching tasks and moving around will keep you more stimulated and awake.
Reader Videos
Tips
- Stay away from any sleep-related objects or locations. Your brain likely associates your bed with sleep, so don’t do your work there! [25] X Trustworthy Source HelpGuide Nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free, evidence-based mental health and wellness resources. Go to sourceThanks
- Be sure to let the people you live with know how late you intend to stay up. Be courteous about making noise and leaving lights on while others are trying to sleep.Thanks
Tips from our Readers
- If you normally sleep in the nude, lay down with clothes on (or vice versa). Your body will be unaccustomed to this way of sleeping and may feel uncomfortable enough to keep you awake.
- Try searching funny videos on YouTube that will make you laugh and stimulate your nervous system.
Warnings
- If you’re trying to stay awake while driving, it’s better to pull over or switch drivers. Drowsy driving impairs reaction time, inhibits decision-making, and results in thousands of accidents every year. [26] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to sourceThanks
- If you're staying up all night to study for a test, remember that getting enough sleep is actually more beneficial to doing well in the class than cramming your head with facts for the whole night. When you stay up late, your brain operates in short-term, not long-term memory, making it hard to retain anything! [27] X Research sourceThanks
- Don’t stay awake at night frequently! You can delay your circadian rhythm and change your biological clock to restart later and later. That may lead to a prolonged change in your sleeping schedule. [28] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to sourceThanks
References
- ↑ https://www.sleepfoundation.org/shift-work-disorder/tips/staying-awake
- ↑ https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0896627307005004
- ↑ https://www.sleepfoundation.org/bedroom-environment/music-and-sleep
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/exercise-intensity/art-20046887
- ↑ https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-faqs/how-to-stay-awake
- ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30951762/
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/eyestrain/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20372403
- ↑ https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/computer-usage
- ↑ https://www.sleepfoundation.org/how-sleep-works/how-electronics-affect-sleep
- ↑ https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1365-2869.2004.00425.x
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-is-the-ideal-sleeping-temperature-for-my-bedroom/
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5136610/
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/caffeine/art-20049372
- ↑ http://sleepeducation.org/news/2013/08/01/sleep-and-caffeine
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK223808/
- ↑ http://sleepeducation.org/news/2013/08/01/sleep-and-caffeine
- ↑ https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/energy-drinks/
- ↑ https://www.salemhealth.org/services/sleep/good-sleep-habits/how-to-stay-awake-naturally
- ↑ https://www.salemhealth.org/services/sleep/good-sleep-habits/how-to-stay-awake-naturally
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/napping/art-20048319
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/napping/art-20048319
- ↑ https://www.salemhealth.org/services/sleep/good-sleep-habits/how-to-stay-awake-naturally
- ↑ https://www.sleepfoundation.org/articles/connection-between-hydration-and-sleep
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/dangers-of-too-much-alcohol-summer-heat
- ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/sleep/getting-better-sleep.htm
- ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/work-hour-training-for-nurses/longhours/mod11/02.html
- ↑ https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/09/160919162837.htm
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12115-circadian-rhythm-disorders
About This Article
To stay awake at night, try drinking coffee or other beverages containing caffein at regular intervals. Additionally, turn on a fan or open the windows to cool the room down, since you’re more likely to sleep if it’s warm. You should also get up and move around from time to time to get your blood flowing and stay alert. If you notice yourself getting drowsy, try switching to a different task that requires you to pay more attention. Alternatively, eat a healthy snack like yogurt or granola to boost your blood sugar levels, because low blood sugar can make you tired. To learn more, including when to take a nap during the day, read on!
Reader Success Stories
- "Petting exercise really helps you out! I went longboard downhill and it gave me adrenaline. I also went to Walmart to get some snacks. Be prepared for 4 to 5 AM, because that is the worst time!" ..." more