10 Things Students Can Do To Survive An All-Nighter

According to staff members at EvoEssay, most students report pulling all-nighters on occasion. While the all night study session might be necessary, it can be taxing on both the body and the brain. Worse, the pain doesn’t end when the studying is finished, the paper has been written, or the project has been completed. The student must stay awake long enough to go to class and turn in the work or take the test. Students who know how to get through an all-nighter have some proven tricks that they use. Here are ten of them to try during your next all night cram session.

1. Take an Afternoon or Early Evening Nap

Getting about two hours sleep in the late afternoon will temporarily reset your body clock so you won’t feel tired at the normal time. You will also start the study session feeling well-rested and with a clear head.

2. Start the Evening with a Strong Dose of Caffeine: Then Maintain

Many students choose to begin the night with a potent energy drink or two. Then, they maintain that energy with coffee or caffeinated soda. Just be sure you know your tolerance level. Too much caffeine can leave you too jittery and nauseated to get anything done.

3. Set Two Alarms

Before settling in to study, make sure that your smartphone is fully charged. Then, set two alarms. The first for the very early morning hours to wake you in case you doze off. Then set the second alarm for the tie you need to wake in the morning. Remember that planning to stay up all night is no guarantee that you will.

4. Stay Hydrated

Balance the dehydrating effects of caffeine with water, juice, or sports drinks. This will stop the grogginess from getting too bad, and will keep you from feeling hungover in the morning.

5. Eat but Avoid Sugar

You’ll need protein, fat, and carbs to keep your energy up. Fruit, cheese, and crackers are a great choice. So is pizza. Just don’t stuff yourself, or you’ll want to sleep.

6. Tackle the Difficult Tasks Early

You don't want to try and learn new concepts or finish difficult tasks at 3 a.m. If you do, there is little chance you will remember it when you need to. Try ending your night with an easy task.

7. Take a Break Every Thirty Minutes to Move Around

Simply walking around your dorm room will help to snap your brain out of the thought that you should be sleeping. You'll feel more energized when you sit back down to hit the books again.

8. Keep the Lights On

Your body interprets dark as a sign to go to sleep. Keep your place as brightly lit as possible when you are trying to stay up all night. You won’t completely stave off the tired feelings, but you will be less likely to fall asleep at your desk.

9. Study with a Partner

If you have another person to study with you can help each other to stay awake and on task. Just keep and mind that the two of you will need to actively study with each other. This doesn't work if you simply study in the same room together.

10. Get a Ride to School in the Morning

Walk, take the train or bus, or ask a friend for a lift to school in the morning. Driving on no sleep is reckless and dangerous.