10 Tips for Staying Awake

By Brandon Peters, M.D., About.com Guide

Updated January 05, 2011

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

The best defense against excessive daytime sleepiness is getting a good night’s sleep. There are many potential causes of sleepiness, but the most common is simply not getting enough sleep. This sleep restriction will increase your desire to sleep and could cause you to fall asleep at the wrong times. Moreover, any underlying sleep disorder can also cause problems staying alert.