The holidays are almost here, but for college students one thing comes first, one monumental thing: finals week. For many college students, finals week can be a massive source of stress.

From studying routines to eating routines to sleeping routines, it seems anything goes during finals week. If you find yourself faced with pulling an all-nighter to study for a final exam, this can wreak havoc on your mind and body for days to come.

College students, we feel you. We remember all too well the stress of finals week and the misery of pulling an all-nighter. But, don’t let the stress of missing sleep stress you out even more! We can’t send you a care package or join your study group, but we do know a thing or two about healthy, restorative sleep here at Happsy.

Much of the information and emotions we take in while we are awake are processed while we sleep. This is how our brains commit important information to memory, moving that info from short-term to long-term storage. Staying up all night affects your ability to:

• Access memory
• Concentrate
• Solve problems
• Think creatively
• Regulate emotions

Not really ideal when you’re heading into an exam, is it?

Missing just one night of sleep affects your body, too. For one thing, denying your body of that melatonin release means that your cortisol – AKA “the stress hormone” – levels increase, which can cause anxiety or restlessness.

You can expect your immune system to take a hit, too, which is never good heading into the holiday season. After pulling an all-nighter, you may also experience:

• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Upset stomach
• Increased pain sensitivity

Be aware that losing out on sleep slows your decision-making and reactions times, too, so be very careful if you need to drive the day after pulling an all-nighter.  

OK, so pulling an all-nighter is all kinds of bad. But, we understand an occasional all-nighter is necessary. Luckily, you can help yourself get on the road to sleep recovery even during the wee hours of the night. Here are a few natural tips to help you make it through with the least amount of damage:

Perhaps the most obvious way to get through an all-nighter is to consume caffeine. Caffeine is a natural stimulant that can help you stay alert and remain energized because it blocks adenosine receptors in your brain. Try consuming several smaller doses of caffeine throughout your all-nighter to avoid symptoms of anxiety or shakiness.

We recommend steering clear of energy drinks and sugary sodas as your caffeine source. Coffee, tea, espresso or even dark chocolate are all better sources of caffeine.

Snacking on healthy foods throughout your all-nighter can help keep you alert and energized. Reaching for nutritious and crunchy options like carrots, cucumber or celery with healthy nut butters and hummus are safe options. You’ll want to consume snacks high in protein and healthy fats.

It’s also important to remain hydrated and consume filtered water – especially when consuming caffeine – to avoid dehydration. Stay away from heavy meals, junk food and processed sugar.

As mentioned, our circadian rhythm is controlled by light exposure. Light has a powerful impact on the body’s ability to stay awake. When you have to pull an all-nighter, working in a well-lit space will help keep you awake longer. Avoid fluorescent lighting if you can, though, because it can trigger anxiety.

So, you’ve made it through your all-nighter – now what? Although you may feel like crashing and sleeping the day away, it’s best to remain on a normal schedule. Here are some easy ways to recover from your all-nighter faster and more effectively:

• Nourish your body – Drinking plenty of water and eating nourishing foods will help support your body and its ability to recover faster.
• Take a shower – Wash the grogginess of your all-nighter away with a shower that can help refresh and energize you to make it through the following day.
• Get outside – Fresh air and sunlight work wonders on a tired body and mind. Exposure to sunlight will also help get your body back onto a natural circadian rhythm.
• Avoid caffeine – Since you’ve likely already consumed caffeine during your all-nighter, it’s best to lay off it the next day and prepare your body for a good night’s rest without any interference from stimulants.
• Skip the long nap – Although it may be tempting to take a long nap after pulling an all-nighter, this will only prolong the damage done to your circadian rhythm. Power naps only!