--- title: How bad is pulling an all-nighter? description: Whether you're staying up late watching Netflix or pulling an all-nighter studying, learn about the health effects of that sleepless night. image: https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hubfs/studying-all-night.jpg --- **[![ASMS_logo_shadow_round](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hs-fs/hubfs/ASMS_logo_shadow_round.png?width=200&name=ASMS_logo_shadow_round.png "ASMS_logo_shadow_round")](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/)** **Advanced Sleep Medicine Services, Inc.** The Sleep Experts`®` (877) 775-3377 ## Sleep Better, Live Better Blog ### *We believe that education is the first step to finding better sleep. Our articles educate people on sleep news, sleep disorders, and sleep care to help them achieve better health and live better lives. * *Thanks for joining the conversation.* ## [How bad is pulling an all-nighter? ](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/its-been-a-hard-days-night) Posted by [Julia Steele Rodriguez](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/author/julia-steele-rodriguez) Find me on: [Facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/julia.steele818) [LinkedIn](http://www.linkedin.com/in/juliasteele) [Twitter ](https://twitter.com/juliasteelerod) Jun 18, 2015 8:00:00 AM ![studying-all-night](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hs-fs/hubfs/studying-all-night.jpg?width=365&name=studying-all-night.jpg) Americans have more incentive to stay up all night that ever before. With social media to browse, email to check, Netflix to binge-watch and chat rooms for every subject, many people have decided that yawning a little in the morning is an acceptable price to pay for a night on the Internet. And that doesn't even count those people who are pulling an all-nighter to finish work, attend a party, or deal with other circumstances.  So today we're asking the question that perhaps no one wants to know the answer to: **what does staying up all night do to your health? ** # How bad is one sleepless night?  What does an all-nighter do to your body? Read our list below to learn why sleeping at night is a good idea.  ## The Negative Effects of Poor Sleep ### Your immune defenses come down Sleeping jump-starts our immune systems to ward off illness and fight infection. When we [s](http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/insomnia/expert-answers/lack-of-sleep/faq-20057757)leep, the body releases proteins called cytokines, which are an important part of the immune system. When your sleep levels are reduced, your immune system produces fewer cytokines AND fewer antibodies1. Skipping a night of sleep could mean that you're making your body vulnerable to that cold that's been going around.  ### You're hurting your brain Cramming for a test? Bad idea. During sleep, your brain [converts short-term memory into long-term memory](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/sleepbetterblog/how-napping-improves-your-memory). You're pushing off that process when you put off sleep. Plus, your brain needs a sufficient amount of sleep to optimize attention and concentration.Even more alarmingly, a study conducted in the Journal *SLEEP* found that after just *one night of sleep deprivation*, patients began to experience loss of brain matter2. Yikes! There's no point studying the information if you can't focus enough to remember it during the test! ### You reach for the junk food Studies have shown that when you're running low on sleep, you are more attracted to high calorie food and are [more prone to overeat](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/sleepbetterblog/one-trick-for-not-overeating-this-holiday-get-more-sleep). You consume more calories, eat less healthy food, and may even put on weight.  ### You get emotional and impulsive Research being done at UC Berkeley and Harvard Medical School3 made a surprising discovery: people often feel *happier *after a night of lost sleep! Don't get too excited--this isn't neccesarily a good thing. The researchers noted that people who are sleep-deprived are moody, and transition quickly between positive and negative emotions. Also, the burst of euphoria that occurs after an all-nighter is accomanied by decreased activity in the prefrontal cortex, an area of the brain that controls decision-making and impulse control. Therefore, after a night of sleep people may be more likely to make impulsive decisions because they're feeling optimistic. This can be risky, especially if you're working in a high-stakes career like being a doctor or lawyer.  ### You find out that beauty sleep is a real thing Poor sleep causes saggy eyelids, more wrinkles, dark bags under the eyes, and swollen eyes. This translates into looking "sadder" and less attractive, according to another study in the journal *SLEEP*4. ## What to do after an all-nighter If you absolutely cannot avoid a sleepless night (which we don't recommend), here are some things you can do to make it through the day and restore your body to optimal health.  1. **Drink caffeine, but don't go overboard. **We all know that caffeine can help you feel a little perkier on a bad day. But make sure you drink a moderate amount so you don't become overly hyper, and beware of using coffee as a chronic subsitute for sleep.  2. **Take breaks **from your work to refresh your brain so that when you do sit down again, you can concentrate.  3. **Catch a power nap. **Even a short nap of around 25 minutes can boost memory and improve your concentration. 4. **Make up your sleep debt when you get the chance. **If you pull an all-nighter on Friday, make sure to sleep in on Saturday to restore your body to its rested state.  ## What if this isn't a one-time thing?  The [effects of chronic sleep deprivation](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/sleepbetterblog/the-dangerous-effects-of-sleep-deprivation) are very serious and can include increased risk of health conditions like hypertension and diabetes. If you are frequently cutting your sleep hours, consider prioritizing sleep in order to maintain your health.  If you have trouble sleeping for 7-8 hours per day, or still wake up feeling groggy and unfreshed, it could be a sign of a [sleep disorder](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/sleep-disorders). Contact us at Advanced Sleep Medicine Services to learn if you should have a sleep study.  [![Request consultation](https://hubspot-no-cache-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/299691/abc44816-bf9f-4293-90e2-a1407e993ee6.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/299691/abc44816-bf9f-4293-90e2-a1407e993ee6) *What happens to you after an all-nighter? What do you do to make up for lost sleep? Comment and let us know!* Sources:  [1) Eric J. Olson, M.D. *I'm having trouble sleeping lately. Does this increase my chances of getting sick? The Mayo Clinic. *](http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/insomnia/expert-answers/lack-of-sleep/faq-20057757) [2) ](http://www.journalsleep.org/ViewAbstract.aspx?pid=29271)[Christian Benedict, PhD, et. al. ](http://www.journalsleep.org/ViewAbstract.aspx?pid=29271)*[Sleep deprivation increases serum levels of NSE and S-100B in healthy men. ](http://www.journalsleep.org/ViewAbstract.aspx?pid=29271)*[*SLEEP.*](http://www.journalsleep.org/ViewAbstract.aspx?pid=29271) [3) ](http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110323105211.htm)*[Pulling an all-nighter can bring on euphoria and risky behavior. Science Daily.](http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110323105211.htm) * [4) *Sleep Deprivation Affects Face Appearance, Study Shows. *Huffington Post.](http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/08/30/sleep-deprivation-face-appearance-ugly_n_3843913.html?1388694593) [Photo Credit: Lidyanne Aquino. *Study study. *Creative Commons license.](https://www.flickr.com/photos/lethaargic/3660097148/in/photolist-6zqXnf-8HTiar-evpf5-7DnHta-4vqutv-7riZ4W-3JocZ-3d4M3i-e2n2zi-cByhSo-qVbWgR-5NH6mZ-6ubhLi-51nRP9-9NMxe-3d58sr-cEHCT3-jyWsbX-5NMowJ-PAxfo-oA6GUg-PMEmN-8Cc47a-g6Qn53-ghYHL-9saryu-9s7swM-L6fuq-61Y42d-oiSY5X-81Jm4u-axJmPN-5Kf18p-2qzkg-4actHj-8vLYT5-xhnCS-6XZFMc-73B2gT-7Qkg1p-L6ftS-N66up-4Cotpc-4EMxH9-4JZgmz-85e97p-5rVXih-f9QxZt-5fUkNq-81bNpM)   Topics: [Good Sleep Habits](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/good-sleep-habits), [Sleep and Society](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sleep-and-society) ## Share this blog post: [![Share on Facebook](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/facebook-24x24.png)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2F299691.hs-sites-na2.com%2Fblog%2Fits-been-a-hard-days-night%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) [![Share on LinkedIn](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/linkedin-24x24.png)](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2F299691.hs-sites-na2.com%2Fblog%2Fits-been-a-hard-days-night%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dlinkedin) [![Share on Twitter](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/twitter-24x24.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2F299691.hs-sites-na2.com%2Fblog%2Fits-been-a-hard-days-night%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&url=https%3A%2F%2F299691.hs-sites-na2.com%2Fblog%2Fits-been-a-hard-days-night%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&source=tweetbutton&text=How%20bad%20is%20pulling%20an%20all-nighter%3F%20) [![Share on Pinterest](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/pinterest-24x24.png)](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2F299691.hs-sites-na2.com%2Fblog%2Fits-been-a-hard-days-night%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dpinterest&media=) [![Share on Email](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/email-24x24.png)](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2F299691.hs-sites-na2.com%2Fblog%2Fits-been-a-hard-days-night%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail%20&body=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2F299691.hs-sites-na2.com%2Fblog%2Fits-been-a-hard-days-night%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail) ### Subscribe to Email Updates Search our blog Search ### Posts by Topic - [Children and Sleep (1)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/children-and-sleep) - [Coffee (1)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/coffee) - [CPAP Alternatives (2)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/cpap-alternatives) - [CPAP Supplies (9)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/cpap-supplies) - [CPAP Treatment (25)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/cpap-treatment) - [Diabetes (2)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/diabetes) - [Doctor's Opinion (4)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/doctors-opinion) - [Economics of Sleep Medicine (15)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/economics-of-sleep-medicine) - [Good Sleep Habits (59)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/good-sleep-habits) - [Health Insurance (20)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/health-insurance) - [Heart Disease (2)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/heart-disease) - [Insomnia (2)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/insomnia) - [Job-Related Sleep Disorders (7)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/job-related-sleep-disorders) - [Kids and Sleep (20)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/kids-and-sleep) - [Narcolepsy (1)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/narcolepsy) - [Preparing for your sleep study (2)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/preparing-for-your-sleep-study) - [Sex and Sleep (7)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sex-and-sleep) - [Sleep and Exercise (1)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sleep-and-exercise) - [Sleep and Society (41)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sleep-and-society) - [Sleep Apnea (60)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sleep-apnea) - [Sleep Business (3)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sleep-business) - [Sleep Disorders (30)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sleep-disorders) - [Sleep Studies (30)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sleep-studies) - [Telemedicine (1)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/telemedicine) - [Treating Sleep Apnea (29)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/treating-sleep-apnea) - [Women and Sleep (14)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/women-and-sleep) ### Most viewed posts ### Recent Posts **Contact Us:** Advanced Sleep Medicine Services, Inc. Corporate Office 17835 Ventura Blvd. Suite 300 Encino, CA 91316 Phone (877) 775-3377 Fax (877) 855-6227  [info@sleepdr.com](mailto:info@sleepdr.com) ## **Top Links:** [Frequently asked questions (FAQs) ](http://www.sleepdr.com/frequently-asked-questions)[Download Service Request Form (Rx) ](http://www.sleepdr.com/service_request_form)[Request medical records ](http://www.sleepdr.com/request-medical-records)[See a complete list of locations ](http://www.sleepdr.com/locations)[Schedule an appointment ](http://www.sleepdr.com/schedule)[Sleep Better, Live Better Blog ](http://www.sleepdr.com/sleepbetterblog)[Contact us](http://www.sleepdr.com/contact) **About Us:** Our mission is to empower sufferers of sleep disorders, like sleep apnea, to lead more fulfilling lives by improving their sleep. We believe that by caring for and educating our patients and diagnosing and treating their sleep disorders we can help them achieve better health. With 20 locations across California, we are the leading provider of in-center and in-home (HST) sleep studies, PAP therapeutic devices, and replacement PAP supplies. We are contracted with more than 300 medical groups and commercial health plans. We partner with independent physicians who are at the forefront of the field of sleep medicine and together we provide high-quality, affordable, result-oriented and patient-centric diagnostic and therapeutic sleep medicine services. We strive to make all our interactions with patients, referring physicians, coworkers, and others courteous, caring and professional and we consider each interaction with our patients as an opportunity to live up to our commitment to the highest standards of patient care.  ### Subscribe to our blog: [![Twitter link](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hubfs/twitter-865437-edited.png "Twitter link")](https://twitter.com/mysleepdr)[![Facebook link](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hubfs/facebook-square-750598-edited.png "Facebook link")](https://www.facebook.com/AdvancedSleepMedicine)[![LinkedIn link](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hubfs/linkedin-815276-edited.png "LinkedIn link")](https://www.linkedin.com/company/advanced-sleep-medicine-services-inc) ## Original photos by Francisco Crow [www.fc-images.net](http://www.fc-images.net) All rights reserved. Our administrative offices AND sleep centers will be closed on Monday, September 5, 2016 in observance of the Labor Day holiday.