Ok, so I'm getting ready for work with ZERO hours of sleep. My knee I blew out a few years back hurt like a bitch all night. Coffee only gets me so far, how do you guys handle a full work day w/o sleep?
I had to do that last week but not by choice... just didn't sleep for some reason. Nice thing for me is I work 6 AM - 2, so I only have to make it until 2 and I can nap if I want. Had some experience with doing this in the Army so it isn't entirely uncommon. Be careful driving. Coffee is your friend.
Don't lie down, don't sit in the same place too long to allow yourself to daydream, because if you do, you WILL fall asleep. But this is not always bad, as a few half hour naps go a long way in keeping you awake later. I've also noticed that exercise helps. Just keep your mind engaged on what you're doing and think of the goal you can accomplish by staying awake. Sadly, I've had too much experience with this stuff.
Drink lots of water. If you can walk at all, take a 10 minute break and go outside to get fresh air. Take some Vitamin B and don't eat a heavy lunch.
Uggh. I hate that. I've had a few red-eye flights were I couldn't fall asleep and still had to go to work the next day..shit sucks ass. I usually try to stay up and not "nap" to throw off my sleep patterns...its painful but usually wait until 9 or 10 to sleep whenever I miss the previous night. stay away from all caffeine, eat light salads and fruit.
I have big time problems with sleep. Have gone many times without sleep or 1-3 hours of sleep. For me, coffee is all it takes. I'm usually a little groggy when I ge to the office, but once I start working, I really don't notice the effects of not sleeping or feel tired. I'm guessing you'll get through the day OK (without being overly tired and sleep well tonight) Let us know how it goes.
sadly, i've done it a lot. Honestly, if you can spare it, take your "smoke break" or whatever and go take a nap somewhere for 10 minutes. I've done it in bathroom stalls (violating the rule that you shouldn't sit in one place too long ), in the car, at my desk. Set your phone alarm, though. You'll probably only need one or two through the day. And to echo what someone else said, DON'T eat greasy fast food for lunch. Drink water/gatorade and don't take too long a nap when you get home (2 hrs is fine, sometimes my wife has let me sleep for 4 hours or so, I wake up at 9pm and it's tough to get back to sleep.) Good luck!
Stay busy, and on your feet. Conversation can help. And as always in most situations, it helps to drink lots of water.