tips for doing homework/studying late at night?

[Ruby]

hey so i did this thing where i idiotically decided that leaving all my assignments and tasks to the last minute was a good idea.. it was not.

i have 3 assignments due this week, maths homework, a science test tomorrow, science tasks (2) and an essay to write. i do not plan to do all of this tonight but i need to get a huge chunk of itnout of the way.

before you tell me that procrastinating is stupid and that at my age i should be getting 9 hours sleep etc - i already know. I'm an idiot and my body clock is out of wack but this is the last week of term and i just really need to smash this work out asap.

facts:
- it's 10:30pm now and the latest i can stay up in order to function tomorrow is between 4 and 4:30am which gives me 5 or 6 hours
- i will be able to stay awake no problem but i have huge difficulty with staying on track/ motivating myself to do the work
- occasionally i decide to take a "power nap" to fuel my brain but i alwayd end up taking about 10 and then just deciding to fall asleep
- i have no access to food/energy drinks etc right now

okay so please please please help me
i just need some tips/guidlines to stay on track and not distract myself with social networking or tv etc and also how to keep myself motivated to do it (i tend to make up excuses alot)

I'm sorry if i sound rude or anything, i am very stressed right now.

Thank you in advance! :-)

[Caitlin]

I totally feel you, I have a psychology essay due tomorrow which I haven't even started lol.

First of all, definitely prioritise, whatever is due first, get done first (I figure you know that much already, but just in case). Exercise will help you stay awake, it gets the blood pumping and all that, so if you feel tired do some jumping jacks or some squats. If it is available to you, drinking cold water and splashing your face with cold water will also keep you awake, and probably make you pee a lot too so you won't have the opportunity to go to sleep. Also, if you can, do not do your work in bed. You are wayyy more likely to fall asleep. The most important thing I can think of that so many people overlook is turning the brightness down on your computer! The strain on your eyes will make you more tired and yeah, just bad. Turn down the brightness!

In terms of keeping motivated, I find playing classical music on a low volume helps a lot. Debussy is my favourite, but there a bunch of classical study playlists on youtube. Some people suggest metal but that just distracts me. Try your best to stay away from social media or whatever is distracting to you. I almost always have Facebook or Tumblr or something open on my computer when I'm studying, so close it all off and concentrate on your work. Taking breaks might help too, but personally I find them distracting when I'm studying because 10 minutes turns into an hour really quickly.

Good luck with your assignments!