As I am in a similar situation... I was thinking to share with you this amazing post really useful.
Surviving after a sleepless night may be more difficult than the effort to stay awake overnight. Sleep deprivation affects the brain, reaction speed, attention and even memory. Studies have shown that after a sleepless night, a person's body works similarly to one who consumed alcohol.
Brain action after a night of sleep
The next day after a lost night, a series of unpleasant effects will be felt. Due to the body's natural biological rhythm or circadian rhythm, it will be difficult for anyone who has not slept for an entire night to stay awake for 24 hours at a time.
If it is still necessary to continue working during the day, the brain will try to compensate for the lack of sleep. Thus, brain activity in those who did not sleep at night will amplify in several areas, compared to the situation where a person has rested. As such, it will use cognitive resources that are not normally involved in carrying out certain tasks. In this way, the results are pretty good, but not excellent.
The biological clock of the body will send constant impulses to signal the brain that it must remain awake. There may be periods characterized by a higher energy level: around 10 am and 18-19 hours. The general condition of a person can be good, however, it can easily forget, react slowly and is less attentive. Fortunately, there are measures that can be taken to increase vigilance and improve the situation
• A nap
The antidote for insomnia is sleep. Even a 10-minute nap can stimulate brain activity. If sleep is about 40-45 minutes after awakening, there may be sleep inertia characteristic of deep sleep (the person will feel slightly dizzy and his legs will be heavy and more difficult to control). However, after the release of these manifestations, the mind will be clearer and will obviously feel the benefits of sleeping.
Coffee or other beverages containing caffeine
An effective alternative after a private night's sleep would be the consumption of coffee or other beverages containing caffeine. In this way, vigilance will be higher. Most people need about 100-200 mg of caffeine, depending on their body weight. The effects of caffeine will be felt after about 15-30 minutes, and the benefits will last for 3-4 hours - when the performance level will be good enough. The best strategy, however, is that a nap should be followed by a cup of coffee. So the body will feel more restful
Physical activity
A lively walk or other exercise will put the blood in motion, brain activity is stimulated, and vigilance increases. Even changing the type of action or simply engaging in a conversation can have these effects. As soon as previous occupations are resumed, it is likely that the feeling of sleep will return.
Awareness of limits
Splashing the face with cold water, opening a window or shower can revive, but there is no long-lasting effective solution or trick to sufficiently stimulate the brain or even the body after a sleepless night. These modes of relaxation can often increase tiredness. The biological rhythm can not be fooled, it is just as important for life as water, oxygen or food. Once a person can rest, they will sleep deeper than usual, and it is best to sleep until the awakening is done naturally (this can usually happen after 9-10 hours). In this way, recovery after a sleepless night will be total.
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