[Charean]

Gee, if you want help staying awake, ask a truck driver, like me fer instance.
We are known for being awake when we have to be.

First off, know that your body needs sleep. If you have to, do it. An hour is a good "power nap".

Now if there is something you have to stay awake for, this is what I did to make the hours go by:

chew bubble gum.

Yep, you heard it here. Bubble gum keeps your jaws going and keeps you more alert.

Now what doesn't work?
Drugs of any sort - meaning caffeine. Why? Because when they wear off you are Oh SO MUCH worse off than you were before. It sucks. The effect doesn't last long and then you crash.

Drinking lots of liquid. Why? Because it just makes you want to go to the bathroom, which gives you exercise, but won't keep you awake if you are sleepy.

A couple of other things that will keep you awake:

Talking to someone (that is why CBs work so well)

Listening to an engrossing story (I stayed awake for hours listening to talking books just to see how it would turn out, but I chewed gum as well)

Eating - yeah the munchies keep you awake. Whatever will keep your jaw moving, and your face flexing, will keep you awake.

Again, don't do these things unless you have a reason. If you don't have a real good reason for staying awake, sleep by all means. Lack of sleep can make you psychotic. No lie. Trust me on this one.

Big J