11 Things to Do After a Bad Night's Sleep

Whatever you do, don’t hit the snooze button--you’re just delaying the inevitable. On top of that, the few minutes of sleep you’re buying yourself isn’t the restorative type that will help in the long run.

Open the curtains and hope it’s bright out. When exposed to sunlight, your body stops producing melatonin (a hormone involved with sleepiness) and gets the signal that it’s time to get going. Bonus: You now have another reason to sport sunglasses.

But don’t go for a full-on freeze. The trick is in the timing: Shower as you normally would, but after scrubbing and shampooing, turn the water as cold as it goes for 30 seconds. After that, crank it back to a steamy temp for 30 seconds, followed by a final blast of cold. This method increases blood flow and provides a sense of stimulation.

Whether you’re a morning exerciser or not, consider the benefits of a quick a.m. workout on days you’re struggling to get moving. Exercise promotes blood circulation, and blood circulation promotes attention, meaning a quick jog will do you a world of good as you head to work.

Slather on an eye cream with caffeine to combat puffiness and dark circles. Another eye secret is white eyeliner. When applied to your water line (that ledge between your eyeball and your lashes), it instantly brightens your peepers. If your tired eyes just won’t hide, swipe on some bright lipstick to draw attention to another part of your face.

Caffeine perks you up, duh. But be careful not to overdo it: Research shows that two cups of joe will make you as alert as you’re going to get, so drink those two and then switch to water.

As tempting as it is to get an instantaneous sugar fix, steer clear of empty calories and stick to healthy proteins and whole grains (like scrambled eggs or avocado chicken salad) instead. Sugar will help in the short term, but the subsequent crash is so… not… worth… it. Also avoid heavy meals, which will make you even sleepier.

You know that staying hydrated is important every day, but it’s especially crucial when you’re tired. While you’re at it, throw a few ice cubes into your glass. Cold beverages are more refreshing and can increase alertness.

Tiredness typically peaks between 1 and 3 p.m., making it as good a time as ever to get up and take a quick stroll. Go outside, if you can, for a triple dose of fresh air, leg moving and, yes, more natural sunlight.

If you’re able to listen to music at work, do it. Just be mindful of the genre: For staying awake, think Nicki Minaj, not Simon and Garfunkel.

You may want to sleep for 12 hours the next night, but try to stick to seven or eight. The faster you get back onto your normal sleep schedule, the better you’ll feel.