It's possible that you need to help someone stay awake so they can focus on work or driving late at night.Two easy ways to keep them alert are to encourage them to switch tasks regularly and to take breaks.Making sure they get a chance to rest is important.Don't worry about keeping someone awake who has a concussion.Sleeping can help them recover from their concussion quicker if they can walk and talk normally.
Step 1: You can chat with them about something interesting.
If you start a conversation, they will keep their mind active.If you have a friend, you could ask them their opinion on a political or religious topic.If you want to avoid controversial topics at work, talk to them about their favorite band, television series, or book.You might ask, "I just finished watching the newest season of American Horror Story and I'm still not over that plot line."What do you think about it?Keep in mind that political and religious conversations are not good options for the workplace.
Step 2: You should switch tasks frequently to keep your mind active.
Changing things up every couple of hours will keep you both on your toes, because hours of monotony can quickly lead to boredom.If you have a long night ahead of you and a list of tasks to knock out, get the dull stuff out of the way early and save the more stimulating tasks for later on.Get the data entry out of the way at the beginning of your shift if you are working the overnight shift with a coworker.You can do inspections later in the evening if you make the rounds.
Step 3: Keep the lights on when you turn them on.
Bright light signals to your body that it is time to be active and alert.Dim light and lamplight can make you sleepy at night, so keep the overhead lights on and avoid them.If it is daytime, open the curtains and break a window to get some sunlight and fresh air.
Step 4: Encourage them to rest frequently.
Eyestrain caused by staring at a fixed point, like a computer screen, television monitor, or the road, for hours on end is a common cause of drowsiness.Encourage each other to look away from their screens if you are studying or working together.Pull over every 2 hours or every 100 miles if you are on the road.
Step 5: Put on some music.
The noise alone can prevent you from drifting off, and listening to music can give you something to focus on.Soft, slow music can lull you into sleep, so energetic music is usually the best choice.Ask them questions about their favorite music, or encourage them to sing along with you.The music needs to be engaging.You don't want to put on the loudest or most grating music.Rock, pop, and techno are high energy genres and the beat can help you feel more alert.Any music that you both like will be helpful.
Step 6: Offer them chewing gum to keep them alert.
Studies show that chewing gum improves attention and helps people stay on task.Mint flavors like spearmint and wintergreen are the most refreshing.You can keep a pack of gum on you and give it to your coworkers or friends when they are sleepy.It's better for your teeth to have sugar-free gum.
Step 7: You can take a walk for an energy boost.
Sitting at a desk or being sedentary for long periods can make you sleepy.The easiest way to fight this is to get up and move around.A 10-minute walk is all you need to be alert and awake.You might say to your coworker, "Jess is going to take over for us for a few minutes so we can take a break."Take a walk around the building for a change of scenery.
Step 8: To feel more alert, grab a healthy snack.
Take a break and snack on fruit, veggies, nuts, or whole grains.Don't eat from the vending machine if you want to.These can make you feel energetic at first, but soon your blood sugar will plummet, which can cause you to feel fatigued and foggy.There are health snacks like peanut butter on whole wheat crackers or yogurt sticks with nuts or fresh fruit.
Step 9: It is possible to use diffuse essential oils.
Some people may benefit from breathing in essential oil scents.If you want to try this, setting up an electric oil diffuser nearby is an easy way to do it.Some of the best essential oils to use are lemon, orange, and grapefruit.Follow the directions on the manufacturer's website.
Step 10: Help them stay hydrated by giving them water and other non-caffeinated liquids.
Dehydration leads to fatigue quickly.Get your friend or coworker a cold water or juice every few hours or encourage them to snack on foods that are high in water to help them stay alert.Sugary beverages like soda should be avoided.The initial sugar rush is great, but the crash that follows will leave you tired.
Step 11: Show them breathing tricks to wake them up.
Oxygen levels in the body can be raised by deep breathing.Advise them to sit up straight, inhale deeply through their nose, and exhale with their pursed lips.They are able to do this as often as they please.Don't let them take shallow breaths from the chest for the best results.
Step 12: Enjoy a beverage together and have a good time.
Coffee, tea, and energy drinks are an easy way to feel alert in the short-term.If you want to feel more awake, take a coffee break or grab an energy drink.Keep in mind that after a few hours, caffeine wears off.If you don't like the taste of caffeinated beverages, you can try chewing gum.If you want to stay awake, try not to drink a lot ofCaffeine.It can disrupt your sleep later in life.It will take about 30 minutes to feel the effects of coffee.It is not an immediate fix.