Stay Up All Night Day is on the second Saturday in May and falls on May 10 this year. As the name of the day implies, it is a day of fun for people to stay up all night doing all sorts of activities that they prefer to do. At least one time in everyone’s life, they’ve pulled an all-nighter, be it for fun, finishing homework, or a night shift at work. This day, people across the world can simply stay up at night to celebrate. Stay Up All Night Day is a day to let loose and have fun with family or friends. Go for it and stay up all night!
History of Stay Up All Night Day
Staying up all night is probably as old as humans on Earth. Man has stayed up for various reasons: from the early men who went night hunting to feed themselves and their families; rulers having to deliberate on things, plan, or defend a siege; to professionals in their workplace, especially medical professionals, staying awake to serve the public at night. Staying awake all night is not new and is not going away anytime soon. There’ll always be a reason to stay awake for something, be it in a workspace or personal space.
In this modern age, plenty of jobs require round-the-clock work; thus, there’s always someone awake to do the job when others are sleeping. People work in shifts to achieve this. In America, an estimated 26% of the population work at night. You may even know someone working night shifts. The risks that come with working night shifts are numerous. From fatigue to depression, cardiovascular diseases to fertility problems, sleep disturbances to obesity, concentration problems, and a whole lot more, everyone should be aware of the risks and find ways to mitigate them.
Stay Up All Night Day was created not only for its fun aspect but for people who don’t necessarily have to stay up at night to work to understand how much effort goes into staying awake during the night hours. Keeping awake because you have to differs from staying up on a fun weekend with friends. The day seeks to show people this aspect and appreciate those who do it regularly because they have to.
Stay Up All Night Day timeline
Greek doctor and philosopher Alcmaeon of Croton postulates that sleep results from the withdrawal of blood on the body’s surface into the interior.
People start recording dreams in personal diaries.
London becomes the first city to light up its streets with gas lamps.
Thomas Edison creates the first incandescent light bulb for use on a mass scale, thus giving rise to longer days.
Stay Up All Night Day FAQs
How did humans sleep before beds?
Before beds, humans used to sleep on piles of straw.
Is it healthier to sleep naked?
Sleeping naked with your partner can improve your rest by reducing stress and anxiety levels as it releases oxytocin, the love hormone.
What did ‘cavemen’ sleep on?
The ‘cavemen’ slept on caveman beds, primarily made from stems, leaves, and other plant materials.
Stay Up All Night Day Activities
Watch a movie
Watch a movie to celebrate the day. A horror movie would be best as it tends to keep people awake.
Go on a road trip
Go on a road trip with friends. It is usually more fun if you’re in a large group.
Host a game night
Host a game night to celebrate the day. With plenty of people having fun and laughing, you’ll most likely make it through the night without sleeping.
5 Tips To Stay Up Late
Nap beforehand
Sleep a little longer a few nights before your late night, or take an afternoon nap that day.
Keep busy
Staying busy is one of the best ways to fight off sleep.
Use caffeine
Have small cups of something containing caffeine during the period you want to stay awake, instead of chugging a large cup of coffee.
Stay in bright light
Light helps fend off sleep, so ensure you stay in a bright place.
Avoid alcohol
Drinking alcohol when trying to stay awake is a big ‘no’ and should be avoided as it’ll be counterproductive.
Why We Love Stay Up All Night Day
It’s fun
Staying up all night with friends or family is usually fun. There’ll be fun conversations and maybe games, which is always a good thing for everyone.
It helps us appreciate those who do it regularly
We can’t overstate how difficult it is to stay up all night when your body wants the opposite. Staying up all night because you have to, helps you appreciate those who do it regularly at work.
It helps you learn new things
Every moment you spend awake with someone else, you get to learn something new. This day offers that and much more.
Stay Up All Night Day dates
Year | Date | Day |
---|---|---|
2022 | May 14 | Saturday |
2023 | May 13 | Saturday |
2024 | May 11 | Saturday |
2025 | May 10 | Saturday |
2026 | May 9 | Saturday |