Spring Break
PWND 101:How to pull an all-nighter
By: Laura Sanchez
Issue date: 12/2/08 Section: Features
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As always, the Student Computing Center, Evans and Annex libraries will be full of students cramming material in the hopes of passing classes. This ultimately means one thing: all-nighters.
"It is preferable not to do all-nighters at all," said Betty Milburn, associate director of counseling at the Department of Student Counseling Services. "The reason being is because it impacts the way you learn the material if you study all night. Your thinking may not be clear when you get to the exam."
No worries. This short guide will help you get through finals in an efficient manner that won't turn a 20-minute nap into a missed final.
Before you start loading up on gallons of coffee, keep one thing in mind: caffeine may be ineffective to some people.
"Caffeine can have different effects on people," Milburn said. "Too much coffee, particularly in combination with lack of sleep, can cause a lot of anxiety."
The effects of caffeine are still questionable for many researchers.
"The performance of complex intellectual tasks is neither worsened nor improved by caffeine, whether in the morning or in the evening," said Richard Gilbert, author of "Caffeine: The Most Popular Stimulant."
Although the results may vary with each person, the crash afterward is common. Thus, Milburn said sugary and fatty foods should be avoided.
"You don't want to eat heavy, greasy or sugary foods or anything that has a lot of carbs," she said. "This will make you feel sluggish. Eat something with protein for energy."
Fruit or juices may be a healthier alternative. A popular option would be to drink a cold glass of water. The icy temperature can wake you up almost instantly. Also, if you drink one often enough, you'll be busy taking trips to the bathroom instead of nodding off.
Setting the scene to study in can also affect your success. Some prefer secluded places, but some prefer louder areas or at home with plenty of study buddies to help each other stay awake.
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