The Art of the All-Nighter
SaveSome students may find it necessary to stay up most of the night to complete a complex assignment, but it isn't a regular thing for most students. If you are one of these students who must stay up all night, here are some tips and tricks to help you do so safely and be reasonably awake the next day.
The image of the studious college student studying late into the night is one that we all know too well from the media. You can see it now: a student with headphones in, cups of coffee on the desk in front of them, piles of books on their left, pencil in their mouth as they type away furiously at their computer.
What is an all-nighter? It's not the same as being a night owl or staying up late. An all-nighter means going the entire night without sleep.
All-nighters have become synonymous with college life, but, realistically, they aren't that common. According to Medical News Today, 20% of college students pull an all-nighter every month, and 35% stay up past 3 AM at least one night every week. This is a good thing, too, since studies show that students who pull all-nighters regularly have lower GPAs and make more mistakes than those who do not stay up all night. Sleep is vital for mental and physical health, so college students must get their sleep.
Some students may find it necessary to stay up most of the night to complete a complex assignment, but it isn't a regular thing for most students. If you are one of these students who must stay up all night, here are some tips and tricks to help you do so safely and be reasonably awake the next day.
Don't Drink Caffeine
After a long day and the beginning of a long night, you might experience the temptation to brew yourself a large pot of coffee or crack open an energy drink. Although caffeine may be a great stimulant to force you to stay awake, it can also cause a host of unwanted side effects. Consuming only 400 mg of caffeine, or roughly two cups of coffee, can cause jitters, headaches, nausea, upset stomach, heartburn, and dehydration.
Your blood and body tissues absorb caffeine within around 45 minutes, reach peak levels within one hour, and remain there for four to six hours. This means that to stay up for a full 24+ hours, you'd need to consume a considerable amount of caffeine. Even though you may be alert, you may not feel your best.
Plan Healthy Snacks
It is also tempting to down sugar or fried food during an all-nighter, but eating healthy snacks will help you stay up. Cookies may sound good, but they won't provide long-lasting energy. Fresh fruits and vegetables ensure you have good protein sources and avoid a sugar crash. Nibbling on these foods throughout the night will help your metabolism and maintain consistent energy levels.
Drinking water isn't groundbreaking news, but it is good advice for those late-night study sessions. Drinking cold water throughout the night will not long ensure that you stay hydrated but can also be an added shock to your system. The Mayo Clinic suggests at least 64 ounces of water per day or an average of eight ounces every three hours. Make sure you drink 64 ounces if you stay up for another eight hours.
Turn on the Lights
Night = Sleep. Even if you are a night owl, your body automatically associates night with sleep. In dark or dim environments, your body will begin to produce melatonin, and you will experience a drop in body temperature, ultimately making you feel drowsy. Staying up all night disrupts this circadian rhythm.
One of the best ways to prevent yourself from falling into this rhythm is by breaking the cycle. Try to be respectful of others (especially your roommate), so find a place where you won't disrupt others' sleep. Once you have located the right spot, turn on every light you can and crank up the heat. If you can't control the temperature, consider donning a few extra layers to keep you warm. Turn on some music. Although you still may be tired, you have at least manufactured an atmosphere that is more similar to the day.
Take Breaks
Although it may be tempting to plow through your work, you must schedule some breaks throughout the night. Stepping away from the computer screen can help you maintain focus. You may consider doing some physical activity, whether it is standing up and walking or doing a few jumping jacks to get your blood pumping. You don't have to do strenuous exercises, but make sure to give your mind a break throughout the night!
Take a Nap
Yes, yes, we know. Technically an all-nighter means not sleeping, but scheduling a nap can make a big difference. Try taking a nap in the afternoon before your long night or early morning hours before you start the new day. Consider taking a nap a little before your usual bedtime to coincide with your natural peak in drowsiness. You may also consider taking a quick caffeine power nap at night.
Pulling off a caffeine power nap is easier than you think:
- Drink a serving of caffeine right before the nap.
- Dim the lights and get comfortable for your nap.
- Set an alarm for 15-30 minutes — no longer!
- Wake up and move around, then get started on your to-do list.
Whatever you do the next day, ensure you get enough sleep! If you are tired at 6:00 PM, there is no shame in going to bed early to recover from your all-nighter. You should be proud of yourself for caring for your body, completing assignments, and completing an official all-nighter!
Jessica Dickenson
Jessica Dickenson graduated from Wisconsin Lutheran College with degrees in English and communication. She has applied her abilities working as a young marketing professional for a local university but works as a freelance writer and photographer in her spare time. She currently resides in Milwaukee, Wisconsin with her husband.Articles & Advice
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