All-nighters, or staying up all night to accomplish a task such as deadlines or schoolwork, are generally unhealthy. This is different from working on night shift mode, wherein the body has become accustomed to a specific sleep-wake cycle.
Pulling off an all-nighter is ideally the last option, but if you have to, then might as well do it efficiently and in the healthiest way possible.
To maintain an all-nighter, here are some tips:
Stay Hydrated. Water is your best friend in your all-night journey. It is recommended to drink 2-3 glasses of water every hour to maintain vitality in your system and keep you alert. Dehydration can leave you groggy and mentally dull. Heavily caffeinated drinks such as sodas and even coffee should be avoided as they can lead to a crash. Water also allows you to have bathroom breaks, helping you stay awake and flushing out toxins. Green tea is also a great way to stay hydrated while getting a low dose of caffeine.
Keep Protein and Fruit Within Reach. The last things you want to eat during an all-nighter are foods packed with processed sugars and carbs- pizza, cookies rice, crackers. These will shoot up your blood sugar then crash it down. Meanwhile, protein-rich options help sustain energy and ward off cravings. Healthy options include nuts, chicken, boiled eggs, yogurt. Fruits are also great for that natural and refreshing boost. Keeping your fruits cold before your all-nighter is a plus, adding that crunch to your apples or berries. Warm foods such as soups or ramen can send you in a comfort zone and leave you snoozing.
Take Naps. This may be an all-nighter, but if you can afford to take 15-minute naps every 2 hours, then you can sustain enough energy to help you get through and even regenerate your brain cells. If napping every 2 hours isn't feasible, nap before your all-nighter, but be sure not to doze off and forget about your tasks all together.