It’s 11 p.m. and you’ve found yourself yet again with a seemingly insurmountable pile of homework. Where did the hours go? Although most high schoolers try to manage their time effectively, they are often plagued by inevitable late-night study sessions. While sleep weighs their eyelids, they turn to coffee to push them through the night. However, drinking excessive amounts of coffee late at night can result in long-term jitteriness and increased dependence on caffeine. 

So what are some healthier alternatives that Arcadia High School (AHS) students rely on? 

“I feel that playing energizing music from bands like Green Day helps me stay awake,” said sophomore Catherine Wong.

Upbeat music can boost your energy and help you stay awake. On the other hand, slower, more calming music can induce sleep. Make sure you choose the right playlist. While music is a great option, it might not be realistic for all of us to blare music in the middle of the night. So what else can you do?

“I usually grab a bunch of grapes from the fridge to eat while I work at night,” said sophomore Ashwika Krishnan. 

Grapes, or any kind of fruit, can provide short bursts of energy, especially when they are cold. Krishnan stated that she keeps a bowl of grapes next to her while studying, finding the cold and sweet juice refreshing. Additionally, grapes are rich in melatonin, which aids in better sleep. Going to bed after eating grapes can grant you a more peaceful slumber, unlike coffee, which leaves you feeling hyper. 

However, in the circumstance that you are unable to sneak into the fridge for some fruit, you can try some light exercise. 

“I feel like doing a couple of pushups, or just walking around my room, keeps me from drifting off to sleep,” said sophomore Katherine Cotta.”

Studies find that some light exercise and stretches can help you keep yourself awake when you catch yourself dozing off. Moderate exercise can increase your heart rate and keep you awake. As a bonus, exercise can improve your quality of sleep. It makes a good replacement for coffee since it keeps you alert, but still lets you sleep after you’re done with your studies or homework. 

Another great option is to get adequate sleep ahead of time, and in the words of sophomore Mulan Prawiro, “just take a nap after school when you know you have to stay up late”. 

Finally, the easiest and most accessible way to stay alert would simply be to chew some gum. The chewing motion stimulates your facial muscles, which increases blood flow to the head. This, in turn, can help keep you focused in the face of sleep-deprived exhaustion. 

While all of these are stellar solutions to keep yourself awake, the importance of quality sleep on mental and physical health cannot be stressed enough. Use these tips in a pinch, but make sure to keep your nocturnal escapades to a minimum.