Sleep is a natural occurrence in a human’s life, and medically, you are advised not to deprive yourself of a good one. Getting enough sleep allows you to function effectively the next day without pumping any caffeine into your system to boost your day.
Although sleep is essential, there are many reasons why you might want to stay awake and not want to fall asleep.
You might want to complete necessary work, drive properly, talk to someone, or attend a meeting. All these situations will require you to be wide awake.
This article discusses some healthy ways to stay awake naturally.
You must note that your system will get to a point where caffeine won’t work again, and you continue to pump more into your system while fighting tiredness or sleep.
One thing you need to know is that it is mostly tiredness that leads to sleep. Many had been battling sleep with energy drinks other than those fortified with some caffeine.
But, there are several ways you can avoid taking caffeine at all, and you will fulfill your daily task, and your eyes will still be wide open when it is time for your nerves to even rest after the stress of the day. This will help you away from being addicted to it. Let’s look at some keep points that will help you along the way.
1. Visit your doctor
This should be your first point of call before even taking any caffeine content or any energy-boosting drug.
In the modern world, where you run from one task to another, you will likely experience some level of tiredness and start feeling sleepy.
Sometimes, you might find it hard to pinpoint why you are tired, especially in the morning after sleeping for a minimum of six hours. This is why visiting your doctor is a must. The challenge you might be facing might be persistent tiredness, leading you to sleep during active hours, which might be caused by unexplained pain, fever, and headaches.
So, explaining your physical condition to your physician is the first step to finding solutions to the problem.
2. Balance diet
Having a balanced diet in your system is a booster to your energy level. It is, therefore, highly important to follow a healthy, balanced diet that will boost energy levels.
To achieve this, get enough nutrients by eating whole, fresh foods from various food groups, with unrefined carbs that consist of protein for sustained energy levels. Ensure you consume plenty of fiber and anti-inflammatory foods.
With a balanced diet, you are guaranteed healthy digestion, which helps to clear and cleanse your body. According to research, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) has been causing chronic fatigue. So, inquire bout foods that might help prevent and manage IBS, which could be zapping your energy.
3. Regular exercise
The benefits of regular exercise are enormous and widely recognized. With exercise, you are releasing endorphins that naturally boost your energy levels. In this way, you will get more high-quality sleep.
A research study in 2008 found that regular exercise can reduce symptoms of fatigue. Thirty-six sedentary young adults were used as a case study. They did either low-intensity or moderate-intensity exercise over six weeks. Both groups saw improvements in energy levels.
With at least two hours of moderate-intensity exercise each week, you can beat unnecessary tiredness that will lead you to sleep. To achieve this, find a workout buddy, visit the gym or hire a personal trainer.
4. Drink more water
To stay properly hydrated, you need to increase the amount of water you take. This will keep your body running at optimum levels.
If you are dehydrated regularly, you are likely to experience low energy levels, which can harm your sleep. In this way, your mouth and nasal passages are dried out, leading to snoring, hoarseness, and leg cramps. This will, therefore, affect your alertness mentally for the next day. You can read about some simple ways to stay hydrated.
5. Reduce caffeine intake
This is a significant problem with energy levels in the modern world. Reducing your caffeine intake can give you more energy in the long run.
No doubt, caffeine gives you an initial boost of energy; after it wears off, you may be left feeling depleted.
Slowly reducing your caffeine intake will help reduce feelings of withdrawal as you balance out your natural energy levels.
It is also crucial for you to avoid caffeine after dinner so you can naturally wind down for a restful night of sleep.
6. Get proper rest
Adequate sleep is a result of proper rest. This is essential if you want to maintain energy levels throughout the day.
Before hitting the bed, relax and possibly do some gentle stretches.
Once you also improve your sleep area by keeping it clean and maintaining an appropriate temperature, you are good to go.
7. Take breaks and move your body
Sitting for long periods can cause fatigue and decrease alertness, especially if you’re planning to stay awake. However, taking breaks to move your body, stretch, or go for a walk can increase blood flow and oxygen to the brain, which can help boost energy and improve cognitive function. With this, you don’t need to rely on caffeine or other stimulants to provide a quick energy boost for staying awake.
8. Take a power nap for 20-30 minutes
Power naps can be a great way to recharge and boost alertness. A short nap of 20-30 minutes can help improve cognitive function and reduce fatigue without causing grogginess upon waking.
Why this is an impressively healthy way to stay awake is because it allows the body to rest and recharge naturally, enabling you to remain alert to for longer periods.
9. Get some fresh air and sunlight
Fresh air and sunlight can help regulate the body’s circadian rhythms, which can improve alertness and reduce feelings of fatigue. Taking a quick walk outside or opening a window can help increase oxygen intake and provide a quick energy boost.
10. Listen to music or engage in stimulating activities
Engaging in stimulating activities like listening to music, playing a game, or doing a crossword puzzle can help keep the brain active and alert. These activities can help improve cognitive function and prevent boredom, which can lead to fatigue.
Listening to podcasts or audiobooks as well, promotes mental agility and sharpness, rather than relying on artificial drinks or other stimulants that can cause jitters or other negative side effects
There are also some additional healthy ways to keep yourself awake.
Other things you need to do to keep yourself awake when necessary are below:
- Guided relaxation
- Meditation or yoga
- Talk to someone.
- Turn up the lights in the room
- Reduce stress
- Sit less
- Eat iron-rich foods often
- Quit smoking.
