How to Cope With a Lack of Sleep

Often, situations with stress or a new baby can keep us up at night tossing and turning. Insomnia creeps in when we least expect it and often at the most inopportune times. Without proper sleep the body performs at a slower pace, making functioning at work and home draining and potentially hazardous. Discover strategies to cope with a lack of sleep to reach performance goals and stay productive throughout the day.

Things You'll Need

• Healthy meals and snacks
• Water

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Instructions

• 1

  Break up computer time by resting the eyes, suggests Camille Peri, in her article "How to Stay Awake Naturally" for WebMD. Working at a computer screen strains the eyes and enhances the effects of sleepiness. Breaking away from the computer to engage in conversation or merely looking away from the screen for several minutes awakens the eyes.

• 2

  Meditate to encourage rejuvenation. Yoga Journal recommends focusing on the breath to increase personal awareness. Stimulating breath cycles energizes and refreshes the body and mind.

• 3

  Caffeinate throughout the day. Low doses of caffeine taken during the day are more effective at staying awake than one large dose in the morning, researchers at Rush University Medical Center note. Swap the morning large coffee for a lower caffeinated tea throughout the day to stay awake. Stay clear of caffeine at the end of the day to aid in restful sleep.

• 4

  Stabilize your blood sugar. Researchers at Tufts University discovered a steady glucose infusion increases alertness and the ability to process information. Starting the day with a hearty breakfast like oatmeal with skim milk provides an even sugar level throughout the morning.

• 5

  Light up the room. Spending time in dark and ill lit areas intensifies fatigue. Illuminate the room or take a brisk walk in the sunshine to awaken the senses.

• 6

  Exercise during the day. Exercise is more effective at increasing energy during the day than some medications for sleep disorders, according to a study by the University of Georgia. Avoid exercising a few hours before bedtime as energy prohibits proper rest.