Fake a Good Night Sleep

I think my two friends and I in my class tomorrow morning are the only college seniors with 9 am class on Friday. Because of that all of our friends start the weekend on Thursday night and there's always something really fun going on. Not only do we have class at 9 am, but we're not done with class until 4:30 pm. I can wake up and attend class for an hour, but 7 and a half hours is really rough on a bad night's sleep. 

How I feel around 3 pm on Friday

Health Magazine from this month has a list of ways to fake a good night sleep when you need one.

1. "Paradoxical Relaxation" - It's like the end of yoga when you focus on each muscle group individually. If you've never done yoga, basically you focus on each muscle group for 15 seconds, becoming truly relaxed, and then move on to the next. After you go through each muscle set, do it again. You'll be surprised how refreshed you feel after

2. Get a good dose of natural light! Natural light (even on a cloudy day) is more refreshing than any indoor bulb.

3. Take a walk. Movement stimulates the brain, heart, and muscles to make you feel more awake.. 

4. Go to bed at a regular time - don't crash at 8 pm the next night because it is important to keep your regular sleep and wake cycle.

5. Eat right. Even when you think you just need that sugar for energy, it will just make your blood sugar spike and then drop. healthy protein and whole wheat carbs - and other foods with a low glycemic index will help the most!

6. Drink Coffee Slowly, but stop drinking caffeine around 3 pm so you can sleep well the next night!

7. Stay hydrated- sleep deprivation can dehydrate you even if you aren't hungover. Also cold drinks can help you stay alert!