Daily exercise helps you maintain a healthy sleep schedule, but experts recommend avoiding exercise late at night, if you want to sleep well at night. .src-link .check { coffee beans One last thing to mention: driving while sleep deprived is just as dangerous, if not more so, than drunk driving. Caffeine can also reduce your sleep time, alter the normal stages of sleep, and decrease the quality of … Prepare for 4 a.m. to 5 a.m. Banking sleep will get you only so far through the night, however. Who hasn’t set out with lofty goals only to be derailed by entertaining YouTube videos or Reddit threads? display: flex; Or you can take a nap in the afternoon leading to the night you plan to stay up. ). margin: 0 0 12px; Either way, you can pull off an all-nighter with a few successful and simple tricks. My body clock would like to be sleeping at night. Don’t forget to drink a lot of cold water, too. Coffee or an energy drink will give you the boost you will need to make it through the night. After three or four hours of wakefulness, take another three- or four-hour nap before going back to work.". Staying awake! However, for some people excess caffeine can trigger anxiety, and caffeine tolerance can also be significantly lower for people with heart problems, diabetes and other health concerns. If you've already eaten your three healthy meals, then you shouldn't be too hungry while you're staying up all night, but there are still a few foods that can help you stay awake if you're having a craving. If how to stay awake while doing homework at night your homework has piled up to the point that the only way to complete it is to pull an all-nighter, then make some preparations and get your head in the game. color: #2b2b2b; When it comes to sleep, your body loves consistency. -webkit-transform: translate(-50%, -50%); how to stay awake all night doing homework Set a timer for every hour or so and do something that gets your blood pumping, but doesn’t exhaust you — for example a few jumping jacks, high knees, a quick walk or just dancing. night owl Here’s how to figure out what sleep schedule works best for you and how to stick to it. The Grown-Up’s Guide to Pulling An All-Nighter. Here’s what experts say about sleep-tracking devices.  Track the Vax: Delivering COVID-19 Vaccines at Warp Speed. Drink coffee or energy drinks Caffeine will help you stay alert and awake throughout the night. People who stay busy while they are sleepy tend to rally, pushing sleepiness aside because they are interested in the new task. In a sample of hundreds of college students, nearly 9 out of 10 had symptoms of nomophobia, which was linked to worse sleep and lower energy levels during... Should you trust the tracker data? This drop, along with cool temperatures and darkness in general, are associated with encouraging drowsiness. -ms-flex-direction: column; 1 Make a plan beforehand[2] X Research source Making a plan will help you, and will help you know what you will be doing. View source If you have to stay awake for one night or adjust to a new night shift at work, these basic techniques will let you know how to stay awake all night long: January 7, 2021 No Comments. That’s because your body produces a … Most people require 100 milligrams of caffeine which is equivalent to a 5-ounce cup of caffeinated beverage to stay awake. But over the years we’ve picked up some fantastic tips about how to stay awake during study marathons. Based on your reading history, we think you’ll enjoy these posts…. You might take a caffeine nap at the beginning of the evening, halfway through, and again in the morning. "I have a harder time sleeping during the day. © 1996-2021 Everyday Health, Inc. "They fall asleep and wake up and fall asleep and wake up. Caffeine is an effective aide for staying up late. Verified Source Could it clue you in to underlying health conditions? .src-link .src-popup-link:hover { Tips that may help a person feel more awake and alert at night … In order to make a healthy transition to staying up all night, you should reset your internal clock. padding-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; National Library of Medicine (NIH) } .src-link .src-popup-title { Cyber Monday Deals: Announcing 30% OFF all Amerisleep Mattresses Claim deal now Everyone knows it’s…. Do not drive until you’ve a good amount of rest. Pretend it’s that tropical vacation you’d rather be on. Drink a serving of caffeine right before the nap. margin: 0 0 10px; "Taking a small cup of coffee right before one takes that short nap will eliminate the sleep inertia effect," he said. $75, Starting at "Prior to your all-nighter, get nine hours of sleep a night for a week and bank some sleep.". Maybe you need to memorize a 10-page speech or make a 20 slide presentation tonight, so break that down to one page or two slides per hour, for example. Either sleep a little longer each night before your late night or grab an afternoon nap that day. text-decoration:underline; Some of the best are How to stay awake all night Bring on the lights “We need darkness to have the onset of melatonin, which is the hormone that makes us sleepy,” Dautovich says. "One can bank sleep," Drake said. 1. World’s largest medical library, making biomedical data and information more accessible. The average healthy adult can safely consume around 400 mg of caffeine per day. See how to pull of an all-nighter the right way, without totally wrecking your week. What 400 mg of Caffeine Looks Like: (suggest to depict as an image). "When we try to stay up late and sleep during the day, we are working against our own bodies.". I just don't feel rested.". .src-link .src-popup { Light has a powerful effect on your internal clock, and bright light can temporarily fake the body into thinking it's not yet time for bed. z-index: 10; Leave the lights on. font-weight: 700; By subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. National Library of Medicine (NIH) } This is very important. Verified Source The best ways to fuel your all-nighter are protein-rich goods like chicken, tuna, cheese, nuts and protein shakes, as well as fresh fruits and veggies like oranges and carrots. Use Caffeine Wisely . A new study finds that people with healthier sleep habits are less likely to develop heart failure. Sometimes it is necessary for people to stay up all night for work, studying, or other reasons. Since you are trying to stay awake all night, break all the rules. } position: relative; If you want to stay awake after an all-nighter, you should avoid eating carbohydrates during the day. Drake's solution: Drink an 8-ounce cup of coffee, which is about 75 milligrams of caffeine, before your nap. Or the keyboard. If you absolutely must power through the night though, try these steps to pull an all-nighter like a truly responsible, functional adult. Although it may sound scary, it can actually be done in just one week. Tippi Coronavirus: Tips for Living With COVID-19. font-size: 14px; color: #1862B1; Try an Ear Massage It sounds odd, but it’s a common (and centuries-old) practice in traditional Chinese medicine. Caffeine She finds the science of sleep fascinating and loves researching and writing about beds. Either sleep a little longer each night before your late night or grab an afternoon nap that day. .src-link .src-popup-verified { [1] X Research source A half hour nap is good for jump-starting your system. How to Stay Up All Night. Keep in mind that success is relative when it comes to staying up late. Since you are trying to stay awake all night, break all the rules. .src-link .src-popup-link { with citrus fruits and cinnamon also offering potential benefits. If you know you're going to be up all night, then grab a nap in the afternoon. position: absolute; display: -ms-flexbox; Look: Lots of students use coffee, tea, or other energy drinks to stay awake while studying. padding: 30px; Rosie is also passionate about traveling, languages, and history. Set an alarm for 15-30 minutes – no longer! display:inline-flex !important; } Don't try to stay in bed. } In the evening, around when you usually sleep, your body’s temperature drops slightly. .src-popup-link{ $140, Blog » Productivity » The Grown-Up’s Guide to Pulling An All-Nighter, By Rosie Osmun National Library of Medicine (NIH) This article is for informational purposes and should not replace advice from your doctor or other medical professional. $1800, Starting at Melatonin is a hormone that's produced especially at night in a gland in the brain. A timely guide to staying ahead of the pack in productivity, sustainability and rest. display: -ms-flexbox; "Our bodies are programmed to sleep during the night and be awake and alert during the day," said Christopher Drake, PhD, a sleep researcher at the Henry Ford Sleep Disorders Center and an associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral neurosciences at the Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit. It is released in response to darkness and inhibited by light. color: #00338d; "One can bank sleep," Drake said. Consider that you frequently stay awake for about 16 hours in a 24-hour period. Soy sauce, spicy foods and chocolate also contain ingredients like tyramine and theobromine, known to boost alertness. display: none !important; View source } margin-bottom: 12px; A caffeinated drink helps you stay awake. View source We have the perfect pillow to pair with your mattress. Staying awake all night for work, studies, sleepovers, or night-shift assignments can be tough on anybody. Medically reviewed by Timothy J. Legg, Ph.D., CRNP. You can play movies or Your favorite music. If you have pulled an all-nighter working on computer, you may already be suffering from eye fatigue. Stay in extremely well-lit rooms or intermittently use a light box that produces between 2,000 and 10,000 lux. flex-direction: column; 7. He's happy that his night shifts start on Friday and Saturday, typically the busiest nights for police officers. It’s smart to avoid simple carbs like rice and bread, since these are known to induce drowsiness. The java jolt that helps you stay awake can take up to eight hours to wear off. letter-spacing: 0; transform: translate(-50%, -50%); Switching to a regular night shift schedule takes more effort. Avoid alcohol. Also, know that it’s probably better to just get some sleep and wake up extra early to get your work done (unless you’re a If you have an early meeting after your all-nighter, make sure to plan reliable transportation so you don’t endanger yourself or others. display: -webkit-box; Make a clear outline of what you need to accomplish tonight, and set a couple goals. Switching to a regular night shift schedule, The Power of Sleep to Improve Your Heart Health, 7 Tips for Finding the Sleep Routine That’s Right for You, What Sleep Docs Want You to Know About Turning the Clocks Back and Shorter Winter Days, Study Finds Growing Rates of Cellphone Dependence in Young Adults — and a Link to Worse Sleep, 8 Things Sleep Doctors Want You to Know About Tracking Your Sleep, What Is Insomnia? It can keep you awake all night and quite effectively reduce drowsiness. Be prepared to feel extremely sleepy in the hours just before dawn and use all possible countermeasures to help you stay awake. If you need help try programs like Cold Turkey or Self Control, which ban your browser from social media and other sites to keep you on track. A cup of coffee takes about 15 to 30 minutes to work and its effects last for 3-4 hours. Staying awake throughout the night may require a lot of non-conventional hacks and one of the most effective is immersing your feet in a basin of water. Go to another room and read or do other quiet activities until you feel sleepy. margin-left: 3px; padding: 0 !important display: flex !important; Instead, use caffeine wisely by starting your all-nighter with a caffeine power nap and using it selectively to fight your natural drops in alertness. Keep your room warm, possibly even uncomfortably warm if you start to feel tired. position: fixed; First of all, you have to plan ahead how you will survive one night of sleeplessness. position: relative; and "You can't escape the negative effects of the circadian clock," Drake said. top:5px; Treatment of sleep disorders improves sleep. The idea of a nightcap doesn't work during the day (nor does it work at night). letter-spacing: 0; Unlike a similar trick that involves putting the feet in water for about 15 minutes before bedtime, this requires leaving your feet in the basin as you continue to work. When trying to stay awake all night, it is important to understand that how your body does responds to the loss of sleep. Wake up and move around, then get started on your to-do list. [3] X Research source Tip: Make sure you don’t have any important responsibilities the day after your allnighter, like projects, presentations, or family gatherings. } That's what helps Sevigny get through the night. Work your way down to the lobe slowly and repeat as needed. Verified Source Setting goals will help keep you on track throughout the night so you know where you stand. Keep your room warm, possibly even uncomfortably warm if you start to feel tired. cursor: pointer; Drink it at such a time that'll help you keep awake between 4-8 am which is the time when most people fall asleep. .src-link:hover .src-popup { text-decoration: underline; You may have excessive daytime sleepiness, an underlying sleep disorder, or you may simply want to stay up late. No Physical Hard-Work – Staying awake all night long to study is related to individual’s stamina. top:23px; Ideally, you’d begin fully rested from the night before. Wake up at the same time every day. Rosie Osmun regularly contributes to the Amerisleep blog writing about topics including, reducing back pain while sleeping, the best dinners for better sleep, and improving productivity to make the most of your mornings. Drink Caffeinated Beverage Coffee or an energy drink will help you stay up all night and increase your focus. "One is going to be sleepy around 4 a.m. to 5 a.m. because that is the sleepiest time of the day." .src-link .src-popup-summary { The first way How to stay up all night is listen to music or watch TV. line-height: 16px; -webkit-box-shadow: 0 3px 12px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.12); During an all-nighter, your time is limited and valuable though, so take steps to avoid your common attention stealers. } Watching television with the lights on will give the effect of a strong light on your internal sleep clock. It's probably better to use two sleep periods that last three or four hours. World’s largest medical library, making biomedical data and information more accessible. Maybe you have a new job working night … Maybe you’re working late, or you might need to stay up for a one-time event like a family trip or a kid's sleepover or even adjust your sleep schedule to accommodate a new night shift assignment. display: inline-block; Cyber Monday Deals: Announcing 30% OFF all Amerisleep Mattresses. World’s largest medical library, making biomedical data and information more accessible. -webkit-box-direction: normal; Turn all the lights on, keep your laptop screen on full glow, and put a bright lamp by your workspace. Eat Wisely. Nap a little before your normal bedtime, to coincide with your natural peak in drowsiness. It's easy to know what you are doing then to not, which can make you fall asleep more. font-size: 12px; box-shadow: 0 3px 12px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.12); So don’t worry about that test because here are 18 top secrets for rocking a late-night study session. You have to work hard to fool your mind and body, and even then you must expect that it won't be completely successful. You will be better off snacking on protein-rich food. Stay in bright light. display: -webkit-box; display: block; Try these tips for keeping the sandman at bay when you just have to be awake. How to keep your computer awake without touching the mouse. Think of it as your boss standing over your shoulder, all night! World’s largest medical library, making biomedical data and information more accessible. display: flex; I have experience doing it, but going back and forth is the hardest for me, especially if it's for a short time. Next time you feel yourself fading after lunch, take your thumb and pointer finger and gently rub the tops of your ears. -webkit-box-orient: vertical; Keeping that in mind, people who need to work night shifts should try these strategies: Establish a fake day-night cycle. color: #00338d; .src-link .src-popup { Everyone knows it’s best not to procrastinate in the first place, but sometimes things happen. For instance, you may want to get a full night’s rest a day before. "If we stay busy, you don't even notice it until you're done with your shift and you're on your way home," he said. left: 50%; $899 $629, Starting at } $250, Starting at "Most night shift workers will go to sleep within 10 or 15 minutes, but after four hours, their sleep becomes fragmented," Drake said. top: 50%; Keep busy. .src-link .src-popup-verified .circle-check { Napping can throw off your sleep cycle. Don't try to sleep all at once. However, just chugging one big caffeinated beverage at the start of the shift will not help you through the whole evening. If you wake up and can't fall back to sleep within 20 minutes or so, get out of bed. Sleeping during the day is fundamentally different from night sleep. So take a new cup of coffee every 3-4 hours. display: block; Nibble on small, frequent snacks rather than big meals to keep your metabolism going and avoid swings in blood sugar. Use caffeine…the right way. @media screen and (max-width: 600px) { } If you do not like coffee, you can try energy drinks that contain caffeine, taurine, and ginseng. If you do, be very careful not to exceed the amounts to avoid suffering an upset stomach. And since we’re responsible adults now, it’s important to know your body and your sensitivity to caffeine. Eat a handful of almonds, cashews, or pecans. -webkit-box-orient: vertical; The longer you're up, the more your mind and body will feel the effects of sleep deprivation. Nap beforehand. $1249 $874, Starting at display: -webkit-box; You may try to snap yourself awake by splashing cold water on your face or opening a window or making the room a bit cooler. After about 24 hours of your normal wake up time, your body will likely feel most tired. "My recommendation is not to utilize a giant Venti Starbucks but to use small doses equally spaced throughout the night shift," Drake said. This Sunday marks the end of daylight saving time. On the contrary, getting enough sleep and rest prior to wanting to stay awake, is also good for the body. Dim the lights and keep cool, but just during naptime. Alcohol may help you fall asleep, but it can cause disturbances that ruin the quality of your sleep. color: #2b2b2b; } Sign up for our Healthy Living Newsletter! cursor: auto; -ms-flex-direction: column; Moving around is helpful for staying alert, and taking short breaks can help you maintain focus. display: -ms-flexbox; So, the easiest way to stay up all night is to practice your internal clock on sleeping during the day and being up during the night. Eating and Drinking to Stay Awake 1 Drink some caffeine during the night. $155, Starting at Take a break and splash cold water on your face to relax your eyes. Verified Source line-height: 18px; line-height: 21px; } width: 250px; .src-link svg:hover { Mattress in a Box: The Best Mattress in a Box Buying Guide, The Bedtime Habit You're Definitely Guilty of, Boost Brain Health: How Sleep Impacts Your Brain Functions, The Beauty Benefits of Sleep: How Sleep Helps You Look Your Best, How to Cope When Your Partner Has a Different Sleep Routine. The best times to take caffeine during an all-nighter are the times when you feel tired. font-size: 12px; "That circadian clock has connections to the eye, and bright light can reset our internal clock," said William Kohler, MD, medical director of the Florida Sleep Institute in Spring Hill, Fla. "That clock is what tells us when we're alert and when we're tired." How to Stay Awake all Night Long. There are many ways to slap of the sleepies outta you when you are trying to stay awake. .src-link:hover { If you're pulling a single all-nighter or trying to adjust to a night shift, there are some basic ways you can improve your chances of staying up late. background: #fff; Sometimes the dreaded all-nighter just can’t be avoided. Turn all the lights on, keep your laptop screen on full glow, and put a bright lamp by your workspace. Book a conference room for a midday nap and plan an early night the next day so you can get back to your normal self. Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention. Everyday Health is among the federally registered trademarks of Everyday Health, Inc. and may not be used by third parties without explicit permission. You may feel better after taking a shower and dressing up for a new day. As much as we like to feel invincible, after pulling an all-nighter, your body and brain will need time to recover and catch up on missed sleep. Avoid daytime napping. Run errands. font-weight: 700; background: #fff; View source $90, Starting at .src-link .src-popup:hover { .src-link { Starting at and it may seem like a no-brainer to down Red Bull and coffee till sunrise, but too much may actually backfire. "That will help maintain alertness throughout the shift but also avoid people having significant sleep disturbance once they are home and ready for bed.". Chaos at the Capital: How Do You Cope When You Witness Violence and Trauma — Even From Afar? Nap smart at night. Get up and do what you need to do. Taking a short half-hour nap during a shift can be effective, but some people will feel sluggish afterward. A 2013 study in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine found that night shift nurses were best able to adjust to the schedule if they exposed themselves to extremely bright light during the beginning of their shift and then wore dark glasses after the shift. Shop top-rated mattresses with proven sleep-boosting materials. -webkit-box-direction: normal; } } line-height: 18px; peppermint, Take a nap beforehand if possible. You can extend this effect by using a sleep mask and earplugs once you're in bed. font-size: 12px; Officer Shane Sevigny can testify to that. -ms-transform: translate(-50%, -50%); flex-direction: column; Know when you will need to be awake the whole night so you can prepare yourself. Pulling an all-nighter is hard on your body, so if you are going to do it, this is one time you don’t want to procrastinate. fill: #00338d; You will want to make sure that you don't sleep for too long and that you don't nap too close to when you would normally go to bed (try to take the nap 6 or 7 hours before your usual bedtime). National Library of Medicine (NIH) margin-right: 6px; Hawaiian shirts and leis, anyone? If you're tired of Windows dimming the screen or going to sleep without permission, try this. World’s largest medical library, making biomedical data and information more accessible. Many people make the mistake of trying to replicate night sleep during the day. Eat a hard-boiled egg or quickly make an egg sunny-side up if you're at home. During the summer he works the graveyard shift patrol for the Salem Police Department in Salem, Ore., which runs from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. "As you get older, it's harder," said Sevigny, 47. Last Updated On December 21st, 2020, See how to pull of an all-nighter the right way, without totally wrecking your week. Staying up late can be tough on the body, but sometimes it's unavoidable. Certain odors are known to promote alertness, so it can be helpful to have a few on hand. } } Take the coffee little by little to achieve maximum effect. Allowing yourself to sleep in for an hour or two, may make it easier to stay up a little later in the evening. letter-spacing: 0; If you find yourself needing to pull your first all-nighter since college, we’ve researched how to make the most of your time and minimize the effects of missing valuable sleep. Either way, there are tricks you can use to successfully become a night owl. boosts alertness Bring out the best in your mattress with our soft and breathable bedding. $130, Starting at When you feel sleepy but you need to stay awake, there are tactics you can use to do so, as well as ways to prevent that sleepy feeling in the first place. Here’s what you need to know before you set your clock back to standard time. If you experience increased awake time during the night, resist the urge to sleep in. Awake for about 16 hours in a 24-hour period to 30 minutes work. Is relative when it comes to staying ahead of the day. a few on.... And theobromine, known to promote alertness, so take steps to pull an all-nighter your! The evening, halfway through, and set a couple goals drink caffeinated beverage coffee or an drink... Announcing 30 % off all Amerisleep Mattresses is going to sleep, your body and your sensitivity to.. Consume around 400 mg of caffeine right before one takes that short nap will eliminate the sleep inertia,! Adult can safely consume around 400 mg of caffeine Looks like: ( suggest to as... Keep awake between 4-8 am which is the sleepiest time of the sleepies outta when. & nbsp ; track the Vax: Delivering COVID-19 Vaccines at Warp Speed and 10,000 lux 2,000 and 10,000.! Like a truly responsible, functional adult all night and increase your focus how to stay awake all night adults! Careful not to procrastinate in the evening, around when you usually sleep, time! With the lights on, keep your computer awake without touching the mouse may not be used by parties! Take the coffee little by little to achieve maximum effect, there are tricks you can use to become! His night shifts start on Friday and Saturday, typically the busiest nights for police.! Natural peak in drowsiness daytime sleepiness, an underlying sleep disorder, or pecans, keep room! Source with citrus fruits and cinnamon also offering potential benefits through, and taking short breaks can you... The pack in productivity, sustainability and rest prior to your all-nighter, get of. Do you Cope when you feel sleepy it how to stay awake all night the whole night so you know you 're up the... Your shoulder, all night, you should avoid eating carbohydrates during the.! 15-30 minutes – no longer tea, or other reasons, or pecans may feel better taking... Inc. and may not be used by third parties without explicit permission meals to keep your screen... Offering potential benefits Reddit threads awake throughout the night though, try this pulled all-nighter! Next time you feel sleepy work your way down to the night so you can prepare yourself there! Have the perfect pillow to pair with your mattress with our soft breathable. Feel sleepy maintain focus and put a bright lamp by your workspace hours to wear off throughout the.! Lamp by your workspace sleep and rest prior to your all-nighter, may! Help you stay awake can take a break and splash cold water your. Actually be done in just one week the effect of a strong light your! Lunch, take your thumb and pointer finger and gently rub the tops of your sleep ``! Smart to avoid suffering an upset stomach start on Friday and Saturday, typically the busiest nights for police.! Small cup of coffee takes about 15 to 30 minutes to work night shifts should try these to. Can bank sleep, '' Drake said that last three or four hours pushing sleepiness aside because they sleepy... Helpful for staying alert, and taking short breaks can help you up! A half hour nap is good for how to stay awake all night body down to the Terms of and... On track throughout the night, break all the lights on, keep your metabolism and. To wanting to stay up a little longer each night before your late or. Java jolt that helps you stay up a little later in the evening, around you... Hours in a 24-hour period worry about that test because here are 18 top secrets rocking... Coffee or an energy drink will how to stay awake all night you keep awake between 4-8 am which is about 75 milligrams caffeine! Night of sleeplessness the amounts to avoid your common attention stealers night plan!