10 Tips on How to Stay Awake When You’re Feeling Sleepy and Tired

Whether you couldn’t catch enough sleep at night or you have been partying the whole night, you might want to know some tips on how to stay awake when you are feeling sleepy and tired. When the body is screaming sleep, it’s a bad thing to force yourself to stay alert. However, sometimes we have plenty of important tasks to accomplish and we need to stay awake no matter what. Take a look at the list of 10 tips on how to stay awake when you are feeling sleepy and tired. Hopefully, they’ll help you.

1 Natural sunlight

Natural sunlight is a quick and effective mood booster. It encourages Vitamin D production and helps to protect you from seasonal mood changes. Natural sunlight also helps to keep you awake when you are feeling sleepy. Just open your curtains and let the sunshine in.

2 Drink more water

If you’re dehydrated, you might feel even more tired. While it’s essential to drink enough water each day, you need to drink a bit more when you are feeling sleepy and tired to stay awake. Drinking a pint of cold water is a great way to refresh yourself on a hot summer day and to stay more alert when you are tired.

3 Eat the right foods

When you’re feeling sleepy, it’s important to pay attention to your diet. Don’t skip breakfast and make sure your lunch doesn’t consist of fatty foods. Try eating mini-meals throughout the day which are rich in protein, and avoid coffee and energy drinks.

Read also – 10 Superfoods That Boost Brain Power

4 Take a walk

Sitting down won’t help you stay awake. When you feel very sleepy, go for a walk even if you have lots of tasks to accomplish. It really is an effective way to stay awake when you are feeling sleepy and tired. If you are at work and you are not allowed to go too far, then make a drink or walk to your coworker’s desk.

5 Take deep breaths

A breathing technique can also help you stay awake. Start breathing in and out through your nose and pull your belly toward your diaphragm. Try to do this quickly to feel more alert. You can do it on your lunch break.

6 Listen to upbeat music

Listening to upbeat music that gets you tapping your feet will help you feel alert in no time. Avoid listening to relaxing music, such as classical music as it can make you sleepier. I often use this way and I can tell that it really works.

Read also – 7 Amazing Benefits of Music Therapy

7 Get active each 30 minutes

Spending the whole day in front of the computer or TV can make feel tired and sleepy. To keep you feeling awake, your body needs to keep active. Get up and stretch your legs every 30 minutes to feel more alert during the day.

8 Fresh air

When you are feeling sleepy, a breath of fresh air might be something you need to feel more alert. If you are at work, open the windows or get outside during your break or lunchtime. If you are in the car, open a window to refresh the air in your car as often as possible.

9 Take a shower

If you’re working from home and you need to stay awake, then take a shower. If you’re at work and you can’t take a shower, splash your face with cold water to wake up and feel more alert. It can be hard to do, but it will certainly help you feel less sleepy.

10 Take a nap

Sure, taking a nap isn’t for everyone when it comes to staying awake when feeling sleepy and tired, but it can help you a lot. Even if it’s only 10-15 minutes, a power nap can do wonders. Though, there are people who feel sleepier after the nap. Sometimes it can take up to 35 minutes to get rid of that sleepy feeling after the nap.

Read also – 7 Things Happy People Do Before Going to Bed

When we’re tired we usually reach for coffee and energy drinks. In fact, they never help and they can even harm your health. Try out a few of these tips and see if they work for you. If you have any other tips for staying awake when you are feeling sleepy, don’t forget to share them with us in the comments section. You might help someone without even knowing it.

11FAQ About Staying Awake When You’re Feeling Sleepy and Tired

What Are Some Common Causes of Feeling Sleepy and Tired During the Day?

Feeling sleepy and tired during the day can be due to different factors, including insufficient sleep, sleep disorders, a sedentary lifestyle, an unhealthy diet, dehydration, and high levels of stress. Certain medications and medical conditions can also cause fatigue. Therefore, it’s essential to identify the underlying cause to address the issue effectively.

What Are Some Strategies to Combat Sleepiness and Tiredness Without Caffeine?

To overcome fatigue and sleepiness without relying on caffeine, you can try incorporating regular exercise, taking short naps, following healthy sleep habits, eating a nutritious diet, and maintaining proper hydration. Exposure to bright light or fresh air may enhance energy levels and promote alertness.

How Can Exercise Help Improve Wakefulness and Alertness?

Engaging in physical activity on a regular basis can increase alertness and wakefulness by promoting better blood circulation and oxygen delivery to the brain, releasing mood-boosting and energizing chemicals like endorphins, and enhancing sleep quality. In addition, maintaining a regular exercise routine can promote overall health and lower the risk of chronic conditions that may contribute to fatigue and drowsiness.

What Types of Food and Drinks Can Help You Stay Awake?

Including foods and beverages that are high in protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats such as nuts, seeds, whole grains, lean protein sources like chicken and fish, can help maintain alertness and energy levels. Staying hydrated requires drinking water regularly throughout the day. It’s worth noting that relying only on food and drinks to combat sleepiness is not a long-term solution and may not be effective for everyone.

What Effective Ways to Take Short Breaks During the Day to Prevent Fatigue?

Short breaks, such as light physical activities like walking or stretching, breathing exercises, or taking a few moments to relax and clear your mind, can prevent fatigue. It’s essential to find activities that work for you and to take breaks regularly throughout the day.