Tips for Staying Awake

Love this thread and following for more! Sun helps me tremendously. And being outside in general. Red/infrared light panel next to my bed so I can turn it on while trying to wake up or get ready. Caffeine- been taking thermogenics since I was 12 to wake up enough to get out of bed. (Don’t recommend this but it works for me.) My favorite is roxylean because it makes me itch from the niacin flush- very uncomfortable but it’s the most awake & hopeful I ever feel throughout the day. Nicotine (Don’t recommend this but it works for me.) Movement/exercise Windows down and/or sunroof open in the car if possible. Intentionally seek comfort in some situations- example- when my family has dinner together inside I feel much worse because it’s harder for me to hear, feel enclosed, chairs are usually not comfortable versus sitting outside in overall less irritated and feel like I can engage more and it can be enjoyable, so I’m less likely to feel as tired. Eat smaller portions versus big meals. I do smoothies instead of breakfast and try to use my morning surge of cortisol and wait longer than normal (somewhat intermittent fasting) so I don’t get too tired from eating too early in the day. If I have a lot to do in a day, I typically snack or do mini meals to stabilize my blood sugar and not crash. Then eat real meal after I’ve done all of the things. It feels like if I relax enough to eat a good size meal, then I’m too relaxed to then try to get my energy up to do things. Stack tasks- when I make coffee I set out my supplements for the day. As in those tasks go together so I don’t forget. Also less overall through process once it’s habit. Two birds one stone method- if I need to exercise and scheduled to meet a friend and don’t think I have energy for both I’ll try do both at the same time. Walk and talk or running errands with friend or family. Also more distraction from how tired I am! And more inclined to do the things since there is a level of accountability. Noticing triggers and doing risk assessment of exposure and how to manage- -Definitely as stated above- avoid sugar unless I’m going to sleep because it literally makes me feel like I’ve been drinking and not in a good way. If I do have sugar I make sure to have fiber so it doesn’t spike my blood sugar as much and make me feel horribly sluggish. -avoid fluorescents or wear a hat and/or blue light blocking glasses -schedule appointments/work at a time I feel like I can be most present mentally (10:30-14:00) if it’s at a different time I call it pre-gaming with caffeine. I try not to often but sometimes I have to to get something done or go somewhere - avoid over planning so I still have the energy to do the things I need to and self-care -typically avoid driving at night or have more caffeine before I really appreciate this post. I don’t think anyone has ever asked me this or that I’ve thought/written out the things I do or don’t specifically to try and stay awake more than saying I just take a ton of caffeine. Just got diagnosed with narcolepsy so really looking for more to help myself function and get a clearer picture on what/why I do certain things dealing specifically with this.

Thought of some more: 4. Avoiding sugary foods (makes me crash) 5. Talking on the phone with a friend 6. Caffeine lol

Washing my face in the morning honestly really helps. I know people will put their face in ice water, I could never go that extreme.

Medication (Ritalin) lol