How to Beat Caffeine Addiction and Still Stay Awake

Adapted from my original article How to Stay Up Late Without Caffeine.

If you're like most of the country, you've developed what I'll refer to as a caffeine addiction. Caffeine, after all, is an addictive drug even if it is legal. Maybe you work the late shift, stay up to study, or just don't like the daylight and you don't have (or refuse to use) caffeine. Whatever the reason, you're determined to stay up late without succumbing to that caffeine addiction. This guide will get you through the night without a single ounce of caffeine.

Water. Your best alternative to falling prey to a caffeine addition is pure, simple water. Nothing will help keep you awake like a good shower. If you can't take a shower, simply wash your face with cold water. Anything to get some water on your hands and face. Repeat as frequently as necessary.

Nap. While this isn't even a word you want to think about right now, another tool in your anti caffeine addition late night is...sleep! Taking a twenty minute nap can help recharge your body. Don't sleep longer than fifteen or twenty minutes; it's just long enough to give you an energy boost. Any longer and you'll be attempting to wake up during deep sleep, leaving you in a zombie like state.

Keep yourself active as you stay awake. Alternate standing and sitting if you have to read. Don't spend too much time in the same position. If you're just trying to pass time, do so with an engaging activity rather than a passive one. Play a videogame instead of watching a movie. If you're trying to work, take breaks to play a video game for a few minutes! When you weigh the pros and cons, a little activity (even if it sucks up some time) is a great alternative to caffeine addiction.

Eat some sugar. Ok, so maybe that's just replace a long term caffeine addiction with a sugar addiction, but if push comes to shove it isn't nearly as bad. Enough sugar will keep you hyper for a bit, and in the latest hours of the night that might be your only remaining option. A little big of sugar isn't that bad for you, right?

Play music. Play it in headphones. Play it loudly. Sing! Some high energy music will not only keep you awake, but maybe even get you working faster. Make caffeine addiction substitute playlist full of fast loud tunes to keep you going through the nights.

Get some company. Drag a friend through your late night with you. The most desirable candidate is someone who regularly stays up late, is chatty, and has plenty of energy. They can keep you in check. Note that this person can have a total caffeine addiction! Caffeine, due to it's downplayed status as a drug, doesn't seem to carry the peer pressure that others do.