How to Recover from an All-Nighter

Pharmacy students may have to pull a couple all-nighters throughout the school year to cram for exams or catch up on homework.

To recuperate and stay functional after an all-nighter, here are 7 tips to follow from The Science of Us:

1. Don’t bother snoozing.

These few extra minutes do not make much of a difference in feeling more rested.

2. Eat a breakfast that includes whole grains and protein.

Also, eating within an hour of waking up can improve mood and cognition.Avoid sugary breakfasts, because they can cause a crash in energy later.

3. If you usually have coffee, drink just 1 cup in the morning.

Having 2 more cups spaced out throughout the day is fine, as long as they are not consumed after 3 p.m.

4. Get a breath of fresh air.

Going outside can raise body temperature, which can provide a greater feeling of alertness.

5. Save sunglasses for another day.

Sunshine in the eyes can help you feel more awake.

6. Have a lunch full of grains, vegetables, and lean protein.

Make sure to avoid sugar in this meal, as well.

7. Handle hard projects in the beginning of the day, and leave busy work for the end.

Scientists told The Science of Us that sleep-deprived individuals may not be able to focus on a task for more than 10 minutes, so try to get the biggest chores out of the way in the morning when you are more likely to feel attentive.