How to Stay up All Night for Kids: 14 Steps (with Pictures) (2024)

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Last Updated: January 23, 2024References

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   Plan to stay away from normal bedtime routines. Throughout the night, you'll want to avoid the things that remind you of sleeping. So stay out of your bedroom if you can. Wear your normal clothes instead of pajamas. Don't wrap yourself in a blanket or rest your head on a pillow. Getting too comfy and cozy will make it very difficult to stay awake the whole night.^[1]

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   Watch a movie. Movies are fun and they pass the time, but they're also passive, making them easy to fall asleep to. That's why, if you're going to watch a movie, it's better to do it at the beginning of the night. Make sure the movie is exciting, such as an action or adventure movie. Try to avoid bland ones that aren't interesting to you or you and your friends.

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   Use electronics. This will keep your brain active, so you'll be less likely to want to go to sleep. Play video games. If you're friends are over, play competitive games that will keep you focused and awake.

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   Talk to each other. If you have friends over, this is a good time to pass the time with conversation. After you've perhaps watched a movie and/or played video games, keep each other awake by talking about things that interest you.^[2]

   • Even if you don't have friends over, this would be a good time in the night to talk with them over the phone. Just make sure you ask them if this is alright in advance. Don't call a friend at night without getting permission earlier that day. They might be trying to sleep.

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   Watch TV. Try to find exciting shows that hold your interest. Feel free to change the show often. It'll stimulate your mind more if you don't watch the same thing continually.

   • When you are watching TV or a movie, don't turn off the lights. Dim lights will make you more tired.
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   See Also

   AutonomousLimit interruptions with Do Not Disturb on AndroidHow to Host a Game Night: A Guide to Hosting Game Nights | Game Night GodsHow To Make A Video Game: 5 Elements Great Games Have (Perfect for STEM) -

   Do art. Find something creative to do to keep your mind active. Something fun you can do with your friends or alone like drawing, coloring, or making music. Just make sure you stay quiet enough to not wake other people in the house.

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   Listen to music. Play some music and dance to it. Staying up on your feet and moving will help you stay awake. Find some fun music you enjoy and listen to it with your friends or by yourself.

   • Make sure you do this in a room that's far enough from your parents' room to not wake them up, or use headphones.
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   Eat a midnight snack. Your body needs fuel to stay awake. Try to avoid super sugary foods, as this will give a short energy boosts followed by a fall in energy. Something high in protein is better, like yogurt, peanut butter, or cheese.^[3]

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   Do a puzzle or play a board game. The goal is to keep changing activities every hour or so. If you've got friends with you, a board game is the perfect activity for this period of the night. You'll have to pay attention to play well, which means you're less likely to get drowsy.

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   Do some physical activity. Keep your blood flowing to fight the tiredness. Do some kind of exercise, like running around the yard, or some jumping jacks. If you can, play some basketball outside. Anything that keeps you active is going to help.^[4]

   • Make sure not to exercise or play so hard that you get exhausted though. Keep it somewhat light.
   • If you want to play outside, ask your parents permission earlier that day first. Depending on your family's rules, this might not be necessary if you're just staying in the backyard. But if you're planning on leaving the house property, get permission first. Being outside at night without an adult can be dangerous, especially if you're alone.
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   Splash water on your face. Cold water might be a little uncomfortable, but that's the point. Being too comfortable will make you more likely to fall asleep. If you find yourself dozing off, go to the bathroom and splash some cold water on your face.^[5]

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   Play outdoors. This is the hardest time to stay awake during, because you've been awake all night by this point. You'll need to do something active to keep awake. Go outside with your friends and play any kind of game.^[6]

   • If you're staying up all night alone. You can also take a short walk around the block to get rid of drowsiness.
   • If you want to play outside, ask your parents permission earlier that day first. Depending on your family's rules, this might not be necessary if you're just staying in the backyard. But if you're planning on leaving the house property, get permission first. Being outside at night without an adult can be dangerous, especially if you're alone.
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   Get another snack. You might be feeling hungry by this point as well. Get a couple more snacks to keep your body fueled and ready to go. Just make sure you don't eat too much, or you could get drowsy from the fullness.^[7]

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   Watch early morning cartoons or shows. By now, some morning cartoons will probably be coming on. Welcome the sunrise and the new day with some cartoons or shows and congratulate yourself on a whole night spent awake.

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The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

• When I used to pull all nighters, I would brush out my cosplay wigs, organize the shelves in my room, and clean out the apps on my phone.
• If you're going to eat snacks, try to avoid ones that are crispy or crunchy—you don't want to wake up your parents!
• Remember to drink lots of water. It helps you stay awake because you'll have to keep going to the bathroom.
• If you watch a movie, sit in an uncomfortable position so you don't get comfy and fall asleep.

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