Good day fellow Vizzed members.

So I have a slight problem where at some point between 2-4 pm I end up really exhausted and want to take a nap. Usually I wouldn't mind taking one, but when I'm busy, doing something important, or watching a favorite movie; I still end up feeling sleepy. Now I do have a habit of staying up till 12 at night because I watch Colbert report, but I usually awake up at 9:30-10:00 am. So I know its not a sleep problem.

So I wanted to see if any of the Vizzed members have any tips on how to avoid taking a nap. I don't drink coffee, soda, or anything caffeinated because...

1. I'm a social coffee drinker
2. Soda was a cause of health problems (but that is for another thread)
3. I heard caffeine can be bad for you, so I gave that up.

So I'm looking for non-caffeinated ways of keeping myself awake. Or are you sometimes like me in that you also end up taking naps even thou your doing something that is entertaining or keeps you busy?

Do you normally give in to that desire?
If so, it can be much like trying not to be your nails, in that you need to consciously think about not doing it for a prolonged period of time.

Frankly there are several factors to consider:
Habits. Sleeping patterns. Going to bed later and getting up layer Typicaly doesn't balance it out. Your body clock prefers structure, and if you are up earlier you often feel less tired.
The things you do throughout the day. Oddly enough exercise can actually keep you more alert. If you aren't doing anything exerting (physical or logical) your body is more inclined to start slewing down, making you drowsy. You might find jogging or doing some mental exercises help.
Diet. That can have a major effect. I'm not a dietician so I'm not going to go into details, but low nutritional food typically gives you a short burst then your body is running on fumes. Fresh produce is good, as are plata dishes, as they give you a great deal of long lasting energy. Things like weetabix and shredded what are excellent too. I'm sure Google could help you more on the food front.
Temperature.
You might consider making it a little cooler if possible, warm atmospheres aren't conducive to staying awake.

I don't know what you typically do of a day, but making some assumptions (that may be wrong) I think the are 3 key factors that would help you.

Structure
Good diet.
Exercise.

Anyway, how this helps in some way.

You want non-caffeinated ways to keep you awake?

1.  Exercise.  Get up and get moving.  Taking a walk, getting on your feet, moving around, and getting active will help you.

2.  Eat citrus.  Try an orange, a lemon, anything that is citrus-y and you should feel more refreshed and awake.

3.  Drink some water.  Get your body hydrated and drink some cold water.  That'll make you feel up and awake and ready to attack the day.

Learn the power nap.  A movie isn't that important.  Put it on pause for 20 minutes, close your eyes, and then power through the rest of the day.  Or watch your movie while you nap.  Sleep during the day is part of our circadian rhythm and we should take naps.  The Spanish have it right where they shut down during the afternoon after lunch, and hang out a while.

The other thing is sleeping from midnight to 10:00 am.  If you dial it back and miss Colbert Report (Or record it and watch it later) and go 10:00 pm to earlier, you'll get better sleep.

I don't take naps very much, but I  have been recently. Cold drinks keep me awake (milk, smoothies, etc) along with regular exercise. Of course, as a kid I am guilty of getting my regular dose of sugar also...