13 Comments   
Zombies: So hot right now. Not so hot? When you're actually mistaken for one because you were out having fun all night. Try these quickie ideas for faking an extra hour of sleep, and that's one more hour you can stay out at night.

1. Grab a Munchkin
Okay, so donut holes aren't ideal, but according to research, they're better than having nothing at all. Studies show that people who skip breakfast report greater fatigue overall. So while your best bet is a healthy mix of whole grains and protein after you wake, anything's better than nothing in terms of feeding your system.

2. Walk it out
Park far enough from your job so that you have to go on a brisk,10-minute trek to the door. Research at California State University has shown that daily 10-minute walks gives significant, lasting boosts to your mood and energy.

Click here for more sneaky ways to fake shuteye ...



3. Take a power nap
Instead of hitting the kitchen on your break, spend your break on a brief rest (no more than 25 minutes) in the break room, your car, or Costanza-style (under your desk) if necessary. Tip: Drink a cup of coffee beforehand. It takes 20-30 minutes for caffeine to kick in, so by the time you get up you'll have some serious juice.

Surprising Energy Zappers

    Checking e-mail. A London University study says e-mail addicts undergo a 10-point crash in their IQ (smoking pot only sheds 4 points) -- equal to missing a whole night's sleep. Quick fix: Set your preferences to only check for new e-mails hourly, and turn off notifications so you're not sucked back in.

    beastandbean,flickr

    Procrastinating. Your to-do list seems endless. You're too tired to tackle it, but since you feel guilty about having tons to do, you never relax. Quick fix: Set aside weekly blocks of time to stay on top of simple chores. You'll have more time and energy for the bigger pains in the butt.

    bookgrl, Flickr

    Boozing it up. Not only does alcohol make it harder for you to sleep, red wine, beer and fruity cocktails have elaborate ingredients that can trigger low-level allergies. That can easily equal fatigue. Quick fix: Switch to a simpler mixer (like G&T or rum & cola) and see if you feel better the morning after.

    Lone Black Rider, Flickr

    Popping pills. Taking a drug at the wrong time can leave you too amped up or super drowsy. Allergy meds and antidepressants can make people feel fidgety or dazed, and what's fine for a friend may be sapping your energy (even if it's not a listed side effect). Quick fix: Switch up when you dose or ask your doc.

    MargauxV, Flickr

    A breakout or cold sore. An Ohio State University study found that women with blemishes were at risk of exhaustion. Why? Self-consciousness impacts your social and sex life, which bums you out and drains you. Quick fix: Hit a makeup counter to learn how to conceal like a pro or see a derm for a long-term fix.

    re_, Flickr

    Too much outdoors. Anything that makes breathing difficult can cause fatigue. Smog and ozone levels tend to be higher on hot summer days, leading to inflamed lungs and health issues like hay fever and asthma. Quick fix: Exercise indoors, limit outdoor time and close car windows on sticky, smoggy days.

    Andresit@, Flickr

    Too much indoors (sigh). It's known as "Air-Con Fatigue" -- when your teeth start chattering and your hands go numb from your arctic office. It triggers your body to produce more heat, consuming energy, leaving you beat. Quick fix: Walk around regularly, wear layers, sip tea or call your building maintenance.

    Smellyknee, Flickr

    A heavy purse. Carrying your life in your bag strains your shoulders and back which leads to overall fatigue. And slouching under the weight will compress your lungs, meaning less oxygen to your entire body (yawn). Quick fix: Once a week, dump the stuff you don't need to carry. (Six shades of lipstick? Really?)

    yeahimkenny, Flickr

    Swimming. You're not just tired from burning all those calories. According the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, chlorinated pools can cause sinus issues. Sinusitis is linked with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Quick fix: Rinse nasal passages with saline solution or use the steam room post-dip.

    gabyu, Flickr

    Gaining 5 pounds. Weight gain = energy drain. An extra 5 pounds on your frame makes you expend about 2 percent more energy, so your body has to work harder to get you through the day. Quick fix: Stay active, keep your weight steady and get moving.

    kharied, Flickr



4. Have a sensual lunch
Surround yourself with wake-up foods and scents that stimulate you. Try something like sushi, which requires a little more concentration to eat with chopsticks than other spork-able grub. And savoring its tangy ginger and spicy wasabi complements will actually make you feel more focused.

5. Mini-jazzercise
Sounds weird, but if you do a quick back-bend or roll up and down on your toes for a minute or two, you'll get blood flowing to your brain and feel more alert.

6. Power up
B-complex and magnesium are critical to optimal brain function and mood. Make sure your diet and multivitamin have adequate levels of both. A lot of energy drinks and flavored waters can do the trick, too. Check the label for B vitamins.

Tell us! How do you wake up after getting too little shuteye? Leave a comment to share your secret.


Get a daily dose of ways to break out of the blah. Just click "grab and share" below to put our widget on your desktop, MySpace, Facebook or blog.