How to Avoid Sleepiness

There are many techniques to combat sleepiness.

There are many different factors that contribute to physical and mental fatigue, some of which you can control and some of which you cannot. The human body needs between seven to nine hours of sleep each night. While you can't continuously go long periods of time with little sleep, there are techniques you can use to increase alertness and reduce sleepiness occasionally, when necessary.

Instructions

1. Engage in physical activity. Although it may seem counter-intuitive, physical activity actually allows you to be more awake. If you find yourself becoming tired at an inopportune moment, start exercising. This doesn't need to be an intense workout; it could be as simple as doing jumping jacks for five minutes. Exercising releases endorphins, which makes you feel happy and energetic.

2. Stay hydrated and don't eat. Eating, especially eating large meals, will make you feel lethargic. Similarly, not drinking enough fluids can make you feel the same way. If you're hungry, eat a light snack, but stay away from heavy foods. As soon as you feel tired, start drinking water.

3. Stay focused. Don't let your mind wander, even for a minute. Fighting sleep requires two sides: physical and mental. If you lose the mental side, fatigue will soon take over your body. By constantly focusing your mind, you will stay in charge of your body. Before you fall asleep, your mind starts to think many strange and random thoughts, much like an uncontrolled daydream. By allowing your mind to wander, you replicate the state, right before you fall asleep.

4. Drink a beverage that contains caffeine. Most health professionals do not recommend this path. It's not healthy to resist sleep with chemicals. Unfortunately, there are periods in people's lives when they need to do this. Be sure not to overdo it: enjoy a cup of coffee or a can of soda and then stop. This is often enough to give you the energy boost that you need to keep going.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't stay awake too long. Your body needs sleep; it's essential to living a healthy life. By depriving yourself of sleep, you may become disoriented and confused; you may even start to hallucinate. This state of mind is not safe.

References

• Bupa: Beating Tiredness

Resources

• How to Stay Awake