Whether it’s sleepiness caused by an ongoing meeting or having to work overtime to meet a deadline, there are always times in life when we need to stay awake, no matter how tired we are.
It’s worth noting that if you’re consistently sleep deprived, it can have many negative effects on your body.
However, in those special situations where you need to overcome sleepiness and keep yourself awake, there are a few tips you can employ in addition to having another cup of coffee.
Keeping cool can help to stay awake as one’s body has to work harder to stay warm. When we are in a centrally heated room we can feel a little drowsy, so to stay awake open a window or wear thinner clothing. It may seem counter-intuitive when you’re already feeling low on energy, but staying active can keep you awake.
Exercise and physical activity helps to combat sleepiness as the body releases endorphins and boosts brain activity to keep some people awake, sitting at a desk can make us feel more tired so if you find yourself feeling sleepy, get up and go for a quick walk.
One of the best ways to stay awake, even when feeling tired, is to take a nap. Finders can find a quiet, comfortable place, set their alarm for 30 minutes, and go to bed. Immediately after your alarm goes off, get up and do some light stretching. You’ll feel rested and refreshed, and your memory and mood will improve as you get back to work.
Of course, there is a simpler way to help refresh your mind by getting out in the fresh air. Fresh air coupled with the light outside is an excellent tonic to help us feel more alert, as the circadian rhythm of our biological clock is dependent on natural conditions.
We can also choose nutrient-dense foods, which is especially important on days when we feel tired. Instead of opting for ultra-processed snacks, we can optimise our energy levels by choosing nutrient-dense whole plant foods.
Choose fresh fruit with some nuts or peanut butter to create a fibre-rich snack that will keep you feeling fuller for longer, or opt for raw vegetables with hummus, other plant protein-rich foods that will satisfy the appetite without causing a spike in blood sugar that can lead to an afternoon ‘crash’, including mozzarella beans with chilli flakes, chia seeds pudding with soya milk and berries or roasted spiced chickpeas.
