So you've decided to stay awake. Maybe you're studying for a test, making up for lost time with a distant friend, writing your thesis, or binge watching "Friends." Whatever the case is, you're awake while most people are sleeping, comfortably, in their soft beds. It sounds tough, but I'm sure you rationed your time to efficiently tackle this thing and take advantage of the fewer distractions of night. Now it's time to get started! Better drink some coffee or Monster, right? Sure, but it won't be enough. You'll need to know how to keep active, focused, and stop thinking about reuniting with your warm blanket for a teeny-tiny nap.
That's where I come in. I'm an expert, a bona fide night owl. I've pulled more all-nighters than I've had birthdays and I'll have fewer birthdays because of that, but the point is —I'm good at staying awake. Sure, the first few are tough: it's always disheartening to see the sun go down and then, after what felt like three hours, come right back up. But until I learn how to work during the day, I'll be up, like you.
1. My first piece of advice, don't get comfortable. You've probably heard this before, but I've seen too many give in to this trap. Don't lie down, don't grab a blanket, and please do not rest your eyes for just a moment. I'm sure you're just reviewing the vocab while drool creeps down your slack jaw. If you sit up straight and keep your eyes open, your discomfort will work with you.
Your back may hurt in the morning, so I recommend breaking up your time with walking, stretching, and standing. Not only will this reduce strain and help you stay awake, it'll make everyone peacefully sleeping around you look like total chumps.
2. You may think you're already a master all-nighter with your coffee and back pain, but don't get arrogant, you still need to keep yourself stimulated. While you're already busy with that imperative task, you'll lose interest as the night wanes. Relieve the stress by giving yourself small breaks. Not nap breaks, don't trust those.
On the computer? Look away for a few minutes. Hungry? Go grab a healthy snack or find the nearest fast food joint that's open, buy their greasiest option, and flush it down with an energy drink. Wash your face, talk to someone, exercise, chew gum; occupy yourself with something else to stave off the monotony.
3. So now you're active and focused, but you can't help being distracted by the thought of sleeping and having a nice dream about failing your classes while naked and on fire. Maybe you're not tired, but you're doubting yourself. Here's my tip: listen to engaging music. I love neoclassical Icelandic pieces as much as you, but don't listen to something calming. Light study music is a lullaby, so you need something louder and faster.
Listen to your favorite song, listen to dance music or hard rock, listen to guilty pleasure music. If that's too distracting, alternate between light and heavy music. If you're really struggling, listen to something grating: avant-garde atonal bell music or Nickelback featuring Lil Jon.
Some people work several weeks in advance. I've managed to save time by doing all my work in a night. Eight steady hours of anxious desperation is very effective. Adhere to these tips and you can join the humble ranks of the majestic coyote or gentle possum. Maybe it's easier to work during the day, maybe it's more comfortable, but these tips will help you refrain from soothing rest. In fact, these tips are good for any work; don't fall asleep because you're in bed reading a boring book, break up monotony with various small breaks, and keep focused with external stimuli. Hey, maybe you won't have to stay up after all!
