Have you ever struggled to stay awake until midnight on New Year's Eve? If so, what have you done to keep yourself awake?
Several journalists from Dagens.com have experienced sudden fatigue during the late night hours, so we asked our colleagues from our other sites, who can easily get through New Year's Eve without feeling tired, for their advice.
Emil from our Danish version of Dagens offers the following advice:
Stay Active
If you're celebrating the New Year with friends or family, talk to them to keep yourself awake. Listen to their stories. Laugh at their jokes. Talk to them about their interests.
Stand up. Dance, walk around the house, or even invite your friends to a push-up competition. Whatever you do, try just not to sit or lie down. Honestly, you shouldn't feel too comfortable because you might fall asleep.
Do fun things. Play games with friends and family. Play pranks on others. Do anything that entertains your mind and keeps you going. And also, take photos of everyone in funny poses.
If you're invited to a party, you can help the cook prepare food for everyone. Or help the bartender prepare cocktails for everyone.
Emma from our Norwegian version of Dagens offers the following advice:
Fight Drowsiness
Consume caffeine - it blocks neurotransmitters that induce sleep in the brain, preventing you from falling asleep. When you start to feel sleepy, drink a cup of coffee or something with caffeine. Avoid caffeine in the days leading up to New Year's, as it becomes less effective when consumed excessively.
By the way, most carbonated drinks contain caffeine. Energy drinks are high in caffeine. Some varieties of dark chocolate contain caffeine. Keep in mind that, although this is a very effective method, it is harmful to health.
Change your body temperature. Splash cold water on your face. Take a quick shower. Switch the water from cold to hot and then back to wake up the body and improve blood circulation. A similar effect can be achieved by chewing ice or consuming a cold drink. The temperature shock will give your body and mind an instant boost of energy.
Turn on the light. It will be harder for you to fall asleep. You may want to go to another room and turn on the lights so as not to disturb other people.
Listen to music. Turn on your favorite cheerful song and let it energize you. Turn up the volume as much as you can. Use headphones when other people are around. Avoid slow songs that will help you relax and fall asleep.
Breathe fresh air. If there are many people around on New Year's Eve, the air can become very warm and humid, which can make you sleepy. Go outside to get some fresh oxygen.
Use peppermint oil. The smell of peppermint can awaken your senses. Apply a little oil to your hands, temples, and upper lip.
Strong citrus scents can also help. Just don't use lavender, it can be too relaxing.
Ida from our Swedish version of Dagens offers the following advice:
Prepare to Stay Awake
Eat foods rich in vitamins that will give you energy. You will need plenty of vitamins C and B, as well as omega-3 fatty acids, to give you the energy you need to stay awake.
Eat small meals frequently to keep your metabolism going. Eating a lot, on the other hand, can make you sluggish.
Take a walk. Low-impact exercises can give you an extra boost of energy. Take a 30-minute walk on New Year's Eve to pump your blood and keep you awake. Sunlight helps the body absorb vitamin D.
If you're worried that you still won't last until midnight, take a short 45-minute nap in the middle of the day. If you sleep longer, you may get even more tired.
