By providing more time to work or study, an all-nighter might seem helpful at first glance. In reality, though, staying up all night is harmful to effective thinking, mood, and physical health. These effects on next-day performance mean that pulling an all-nighter rarely pays off.

Can you pull off an all-nighter?

The only solution? Pulling an all-nighter. Research has proven time and time again that lack of sleep is detrimental to productivity, and all-nighters are generally discouraged by health experts. But they can be successfully wielded every now and then, according to sleep expert Eric Olson.

Should I pull an all-nighter or sleep for 3 hours?

Sleeping between 90 and 110 minutes gives your body time to complete one full sleep cycle and can minimize grogginess when you wake. But any sleep is better than not at all — even if it's a 20-minute nap.