How to Feel Awake When Sleepy

Staying awake can sometimes seem like the toughest thing in the world. Whether you got enough sleep the night before or not, crawling back into bed can often be the most enticing idea on Earth. If you need to feel awake and alert for a significant amount of time -- such as at work or at school -- there are several things you can do to combat and eliminate drowsiness.

Things You'll Need

• Cold water
• Air conditioning
• Snacks that are high in complex carbs and proteins

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Instructions

• 1

  Move around a lot. To receive a quick jolt of energy, get out of your seat and move whenever you get a chance. Go for a brief, 10-minute stroll around the block. A walk can be beneficial for pumping oxygen through your muscles, brain and veins; as a result, it will make you feel significantly more awake and alert. If you work in an office, stand up frequently to take mini-walks around your area. If you have a few more minutes free, consider going outside and enjoying the fresh air.

• 2

  Use cold water. For a quick boost of alertness, go to the restroom and splash a little bit of cold water both on your face and on your wrists.

• 3

  Drink a glass of cold water -- with ice, preferably -- to eliminate feelings of drowsiness. The more water you drink, the more often you will have to go to the restroom, which is another excuse to walk around.

• 4

  Keep your lunches light. Eating big, heavy lunches in the middle of the day -- like pastas -- can lead to feeling sluggish, lazy and most importantly, sleepy. As the body attempts to digest a large meal, it can encourage you to feel drowsy. Avoid that possibility by consuming a light midday meal. One example could be a grilled chicken sandwich on whole grain bread with a side of sliced apples.

• 5

  Stay away from sugar. Although sugar may temporarily make you feel a blast of energy, you will crash from it quickly and feel sleepier than ever. Stay away from the alluring chocolate in the vending machine and instead opt for something with protein and complex carbohydrates, such as whole wheat crackers. This kind of snack will provide you with more extended energy than something sweet.

• 6

  Drink a little bit of caffeine. Consuming caffeine in moderation can keep you feeling alert. Some common options for caffeine include soda, tea and coffee. It operates as a natural stimulant. Be sure not to drink too much of it; as excess could lead to a headache, anxiety and increased heart rate.

• 7

  Change up your activities. Monotony and focusing solely on one thing can often trigger feelings of sleepiness. To keep awake and alert, alternate what you are doing occasionally. If you are working on a big project, consider dividing it up into small tasks and concentrating on them one at a time.

• 8

  Laugh at something. When your day is rather tedious and all you want to do is nod off, all you might need to wake up is some simple laughter. To energize yourself, log onto Youtube and laugh wholehearted at some funny videos, whether they are of animals doing tricks or on-air bloopers at news stations. A quick laugh may be able to do wonders for your waning alertness and energy levels.

• 9

  Take a short nap. If possible, enjoy a brief cat nap to take your mind off of sleep. A short nap can be highly effective at providing you with the energy boost that you need to stay awake and function at your best. Avoid sleeping over half an hour, as sleeping for too long might make you feel more exhausted than you did before.