How to pull an all-nighter: six tricks to keep going and going, even without sleep

Men's Fitness, April, 2004 by Dan Gordon

Whether you're stuck at the office crunching numbers or in the midst of a 18-hour drive, there are times you need to skimp on sleep. The trick, of course, is to burn the midnight oil as long as possible without getting fried in the process. Here's how to do it:

Take a 15- to 20-minute nap--but no longer. The average sleep cycle lasts 45 minutes. Nap too long and you'll wake at the end of your cycle, feeling even more tired.

Eat light, avoid snacks. The 3 p.m. blahs can also strike at night, like after a large dinner.

Don't take over-the-counter stimulants. They can cause "rebound fatigue," leaving you even more drowsy.

Stay cool. Keep your body temperature as low as possible. Warmth makes you drowsy.

Chew gum or ice. It'll keep your brain active and your synapses firing.

Get pissed. Tune in to a talk show or radio program you hate. Being angry makes it easier to stay awake.