How To Pull A Successful All-Nighter

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How To Pull A Successful All-Nighter

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peter

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Despite the fact that my most recent post on course-notes.

org discussed reasons I would

like to share some advice for those of you that will, without a doubt, pull numerous all-
nighters in the coming years.
For starters, it's common knowledge that the human body is not meant to ever spend 24
hours awake at any given time. In order to pull an all-nighter successfully, the
combination of preparation, planning and execution are essential. I use the
word successful boldly; there is a major difference between staying awake for 24 hours
versus having the ability to efficiently and effectively study throughout the night. If
you're able to abide by the majority of the suggestions below, you'll be much better off
than you otherwise would be.
Environment
 Choose your study location wisely. I recommend selecting a bright and stimulating
spot where you can focus on your studies with minimal interruptions. If possible,
open a window or two; the combination of naturally occurring sounds, the breeze
as well as cold air will help you stay awake.
 Study buddy. It's always risky attempting to pull an all-nighter on your own. If
you have a good friend that will be staying up late, be sure to do so as duo. I
recommend doing so with only one other individual. From my experience, adding
a third person into the mix creates distraction and will decrease your productivity
for the night.
 Be sure to lower your screen brightness throughout the night to ensure your eyes
are not strained excessively.
 Be sure to limit the number of possible distraction you surround yourself with. If
you are to remain focused for hours on end, the TV should be off, your cell phone
should be set on silent and you should only surf the web if it's a value-add to your
studies. It's very easy to get sidetracked when tired, especially when your overall
motivation to study is lacking.
Activity
 If you work well to music, subtle background music will help keep you focused
and alert. Don't play the music too loud and be sure to select genres and artists
that will benefit your overall concentration. Avoid slow and depressing music at all
costs.
 Set an alarm to go off every 30 minutes. Doing so will help you manage your time
and productivity as well as give you the much needed quick break here and there
your mind and body so desperately need. After each alarm sounds, try to do a
combination of jumping jacks and pushups to increase your heart rate; doing so
will increase alertness. In the event you nod off, your alarm will help minimize the
risk of you accidentally sleeping for hours on end.
 If you're one of the lucky people that can fall asleep quickly, I recommend taking
several very brief 20 minute power naps throughout the night. WARNING - Only
do so if you have someone to keep you company that will ensure you're awake on
time and that you get back to your studies promptly.
 Laughing and smiling keep you awake. Every so often, watch a five to ten minute
youtube video you know you'll enjoy. I suggest compilation videos that consist of
epic fails, bloopers and the best vines.
 If you're becoming excessively tired and grow increasingly concerned with your
lack in alertness, take a quick and extremely cold shower five minute shower and
you'll return to your studies feeling rejuvenated.
Diet
 Avoid caffeine! If caffeine is absolutely necessary, limit yourself to a sip every 30
minutes (when your alarm sounds - wink wink) to prevent yourself from crashing
later on. Consuming large amounts of caffeine throughout the night is a terrible
idea. Not only do you put yourself at risk of crashing around exam time, but your
body builds a tolerance to caffeine throughout the night forcing you to consume
far greater amounts of caffeine in order to feel the same effect.
 Stay hydrated at all times; dehydration makes us sleepy and lazy. Unlike room
temperature liquids, cold liquids shock your system and can help you stay awake.
Consuming large amounts of water will force you to use the restroom often which
provides you the opportunity to take a quick study break as well.
 Don't drink alcohol or depressants of any kind.
 Avid fatty, sugary and carb loaded foods.
 Eat foods that help maintain your blood sugar levels; Apples are perfect for the
occasion.
 Pour on the hot sauce! If you don't mind a little spice, add some hot sauce to
everything you consume throughout the night. The burning sensation (lips and
mouth) will keep you awake and ensure you keep up on your fluid intake.
 Avoid eating heavy meals. Stuffing yourself (think Thanksgiving) makes you full,
bloated and excessively sleepy. If possible, eat small, protein rich snacks.
Remaining hungry will limit how tired you get; we all know how hard it is to fall
asleep on an empty stomach.
Good luck!