What helps you stay awake?

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I was wondering what helps people stay awake at night when they're studying. I tend to drink coffee and maté tea but I sometimes have a hard time staying awake!! Maybe it's because I try not to drink coffee too late in the day. Does anyone have an exercise routine or something they do to help stay alert at night or do you just rely on caffeine? Thanks!

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Specializes in Med-Surg., Oncology, Observational Units.

It is hard but I make sure I sleep well during the day for one thing. Sometimes I will stand while I am studying and this will help. As a last resort you may just have to get up and move around for a few minutes when you are starting to get sleepy. I would not recommend any kind of stimulants. Hope this helps.

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I was wondering what helps people stay awake at night when they're studying. I tend to drink coffee and maté tea but I sometimes have a hard time staying awake!! Maybe it's because I try not to drink coffee too late in the day. Does anyone have an exercise routine or something they do to help stay alert at night or do you just rely on caffeine? Thanks!

if im puling an all nighter its coffee and I take a shower when I get sleepy .. then go back to the books... a shower works!

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Cold room, sometimes I will have a fan going. Coffee as well

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Yes keeping the room temperature low and having the window open does the trick for me.

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Thanks!! I never thought about cold air helping and it's a great alternative to caffeine :) I may try the shower too but they usually put me to sleep :) thanks again!

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Specializes in Telemetry.

Here's what I occasionally did both as a student and as a practicing night shift nurse. ( Warning - it does look a bit silly! Do in public at own risk)

Remove shoes and lay on floor with back flat. Bottom against wall and legs lifted and resting straight and flat up wall. *see photo*

Relax and deep breathe for about 15 minutes. This allows blood to circulate better and gives legs a nice stretch.

Sorta like a power nap without the nap. :)

Good luck! 🍀

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Thanks @Nurse Leigh! In the back of my mind I keep thinking I have to figure out what works since a lot of new grads get night shifts!! It's going to be a lot of years trying to stay awake! Thank you!

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Coffee and Mountain Dew! ... kidding

I study for 50 minutes, then brisk walking around the house or library for 10 minutes. I did this every hour... and I could stay awake the whole night!

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Thanks!! I will for sure be trying each of these!!

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Caffeine doesn't work for me, unfortunately. I agree with taking frequent breaks and walking around.

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I do 45 on/15 off when studying. I should mention that my attention span is somewhat short though. During those 15 minutes I walk, post on AN, get some water etc..If I am exhausted it becomes 20 on 10 off because after 20 min I am not retaining anything anyway.

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