Recently, I have found that I absolutely cannot handle all-nighters anymore. Instead, I work hard until around midnight or 1, sleep until 6, then get up and finish whatever (essays at this point). It’s not a lot of sleep, but it’s enough that you won’t be completely useless the next day. (Point—I’m usually in bed by 8 or 9 the next night, though…and sleep for 12+ hours.)
Something to consider, if you would like to do this: put the idea of a caffeine nap to use for you! Get yourself some caffeine pills and a water bottle. Set your alarm for 30 minutes before you need to be up. When the alarm goes off, get up, take a pill (or two, depending on your tolerance for caffeine) and go back to bed. In about 20–30 minutes, you will be ready to wake up and work on whatever!
If you don’t normally eat breakfast, be prepared to do so on these days. Toast with PB is good for you and a good choice; eggs are also good (lots of protein). Don’t hit the caffeine too hard or you will crash before classes the next day. (Researchers have found that low, steady streams of caffeine, such as those found in tea, are better at keeping you going + awake than drinking large cups of coffee every now and again.)
Finally, if you need caffeine and head to Starbucks (or similar cafe), don’t get an espresso. There is more caffeine in a brewed coffee or iced coffee than in an espresso drink of the same size.