Exam time is approaching and many students spend entire nights studying without rest. Some do it out of preference, since their habits are nocturnal and they pay more, while others do it out of obligation, since they combine their studies with a job that leaves them no more time to study.
Hydrate
The big question at exam time is always how to stay awake to study. The fundamental thing is that your body is hydrated, so you have to drink a lot of water. Dehydration leads to episodes of fatigue, tiredness, dizziness and weakness that will eventually affect your ability to study, so keep a bottle of water handy.
It is proven that drinking water increases your energy , because blood flow helps your body transport the nutrients and oxygen necessary for your brain to work optimally and healthily and help you perform better.
Go for a walk
If sleep is about to overcome you, we advise you to go for a walk. A walk will activate your blood circulation and venous return, thus reducing the symptoms of physical fatigue.
If the feeling of drowsiness is too strong, you may need a slightly more intense physical activity such as jogging or combining the walk with small exercises such as jumping jacks, squats, arm movements, etc. After a short activity of about 15 minutes, you will feel more awake and can continue with your task. If you are looking for an exercise routine to do at home, this article will help you find the best options.
Eat something healthy
If you need to stay awake, we advise you to avoid copious dinners, as they will make you drowsy and it will be very difficult for you not to fall into the arms of Morpheus. On the other hand, you should not go without food either, as the lack of sugar will lead your body to a state of exhaustion that will prevent you from concentrating.
The healthiest option is to eat snacks rich in protein and fiber such as carrots, apples, avocados, peanut butter remember to eat little and frequently.
Breathe deeply
Taking deep breaths helps transfer more oxygen to the different parts of your body, including the brain, thus increasing energy and stimulating the immune system.
If you need to stay awake longer, take several deep breaths and completely exhale all the air. Breathing deeply will also help you reduce stress and anxiety.
Listen to some music
When you listen to music, your brain reacts by releasing endorphins, chemical substances that stimulate it and eliminate the feeling of tiredness and mental fatigue. Music also helps you keep your mind alert.
Our recommendation is that you listen to a varied playlist and avoid relaxing or monotonous rhythms that can increase the feeling of sleep.
Look into a bright light
When we talk about looking at a light, we are referring to screens with blue light. The light emitted by the screens of devices such as mobile phones, computers or tablets interfere with the production of melatonin , which is why they act by causing an interruption in the natural sleep cycle.
If you have the feeling that sleep is defeating you, look at your mobile, computer or tablet for a while, as this will help you stay awake longer.
Chew gum
If you're wondering how to stay up all night , chew gum. Numerous studies have shown that chewing gum increases blood circulation and activates regions of the brain that keep you alert. All of this will help you reduce sleepiness and stay awake longer.
If you are in exam time, this advice will be great for you, since by chewing gum you can avoid drinking exciting drinks such as coffee, a product that can increase your nervousness and play against you.
Dance
If you have to stay awake but can't go out for a walk or a short run, take the opportunity to set yourself a dance to your favorite song. Activate the body energetically when you are at the maximum level of sleepiness, as this will reduce the feeling of fatigue that you perceive .
This is possible thanks to the release of endorphins that the body makes and the increase in the feeling of euphoria that occurs. If you choose a song with rhythm and that motivates you, the recharge of energy will be even greater. In this case, it may also help you to discover some cardio exercises to do at home .
Sit up straight
If you want to know how to stay awake in class after an intense night, one of the most important steps you can take is to sit up straight in your chair. Maintaining a stooped position will increase the feeling of sleepiness and physical tiredness. In addition, there is a scientific explanation, and that is that when you acquire a bent posture, the brain receives less oxygen , up to 30% less compared to when you sit upright.
Drinks not to sleep
If you need to stay up all night and none of the above options work for you, you can always resort to having a drink to help you stay awake. These are some of the most frequent:
- Coffee : the essential to spend the night awake. Have a strong coffee and you'll be up all night. In principle, if the coffee is strong, you shouldn't need more than one to stay awake, but here the constitution of each person and the tolerance they have to caffeine influences.
- Energy Drinks – These drinks are a favorite of students who need to spend all night studying. We recommend you take them with caution, do not abuse them and, above all, do not combine them with other exciting drinks such as coffee or caffeinated soft drinks. Energy drinks based on ginseng or guarana are the most effective.
- Caffeinated soft drinks: another of the classics to endure without sleeping are caffeinated colas. Its effect will depend, as in coffee, on how these types of drinks affect your body. There are people who drink a glass and can't sleep all night and others who need a larger amount.
- Infusions with theine : infusions such as green tea or ginger tea are the perfect option if you do not like coffee or carbonated drinks do not suit you. In this other article we talk about ginger, lemon and honey tea: benefits and how to make it to stay awake longer.
It is important that you do not abuse these drinks and space them out or use them only for specific moments, such as before an important exam. The abuse of this type of beverage is not healthy, since they act by preventing the correct absorption of calcium by the body, in addition to the known side effects of caffeine and other stimulants (tachycardia, heart problems, etc.
