Getting by without a nap

[Rufus T. Firefly]

I don't know how to do it...

Everyday, without fail, I become incredibly sleepy right after lunch. This has probably been true for most of my adult life, but for most of my adult life I've been an academic and not bound by any particular working hours; I could just go home and sleep, then get back to work in the evening, when my energy returned.

In my new job/career, however, I have definite hours I have to keep (like everyone else in the world), and naps just aren't an option. So I have an incredibly productive morning, then just lurch through the afternoon like Zombie Rufus until my energy returns around 3.30 pm.

I know I'm not alone in this; in fact, some sleep research indicates that humans may actually be programmed for a midday shutdown. (Researchers call the period from 1-4 pm "the trough," which seems about right to me.) So I don't need reassurance. What I need is a way to stay alert.

Coffee doesn't do it. Neither does water. Exercise is not really an option, given where I work and how brief my lunch hour is.

So you tell me: how do you stay alert after lunch?

[alva]

No one does mate, just use your working hours to feel lousy and sleepy, that's what the're there for.
Why waste your good productive hours on work?? That makes no sense at all.

Not eating could be an option, or at least eat lighter.

[Rufus T. Firefly]

Originally posted by alva
No one does mate, just use your working hours to feel lousy and sleepy, that's what the're there for.
Why waste your good productive hours on work?? That makes no sense at all.

Damn. I was afraid of that.

Not eating could be an option, or at least eat lighter.

I don't eat an especially heavy lunch, but this has occurred to me so I've tried it. As far as I can tell, it doesn't make any difference.

[Spiffor]

Eating lighter is a good idea. I am quite prone to post-meal sleepiness too, and the worst moment is when I eat heavy food (such as fries).

You may want some fruit juice, but not too much: the vitamins help, but you shouldn't drink too much (a fresh orange juice is quite caloric).

I's also advise you to keep the most repetitive tasks for "the trough". I have noticed that I become extremely sleepy when I am having a difficult task that requires brainpower.

[Spiffor]

/me is going to have a coffee right now btw

[Ramo]

Incidentally, I'm pulling an all-nighter tonight.

I do that every few weeks or so.

[alva]

Just did one, trying to readjust to living during the day. Curious to see how long it will last this time...

[alva]

Try to make sure you acces to natural daylight btw. That's one thing that very much undervalued by employers, although it could great improve your productivity and well being in general.

[Rufus T. Firefly]

Originally posted by alva
Try to make sure you acces to natural daylight btw. That's one thing that very much undervalued by employers, although it could great improve your productivity and well being in general.

Yeah, this is one of the big things effecting me, I think. I work in recently-built government building designed primarily for security, so the windows are very narrow and don't admit much light.

[molly bloom]

Re: Getting by without a nap

Originally posted by Rufus T. Firefly

So you tell me: how do you stay alert after lunch?

Exercise, a shower, strong coffee- they've all worked for me.

Try eating more fruit, less starch, or more leafy greens, or fish.


If all else fails, a tip from one of Juzo Itami's films- hold a pair of dividers over your leg.

[Dinner]

Smoke meth and you won't need those naps any more.

[Ted Striker]

Are you getting enough sleep at night?

[Ted Striker]

If you wanna ditch the coffee, try this, it works 10 times better without the crash afterwards:

http://www.bodybuilding.com/store/black/go.html

[chequita guevara]

How long is your lunch break? If you have an hour, bring your lunch to work, eat it, then take a brief nap in your car.

[Ted Striker]

Lunch schedule:

1) Eat it
2) Hit it
3) sleep