Mountain Dew, coffee and No Doz are some of the caffeine-filled substances that NIU students use to keep their heavy eyelids open while cramming before they have to show what they are made of during exam week.

With finals week here, students are studying like mad before they have to bust out the No. 2 pencils for the dreaded hour or two that ultimately will determine their grade.

So are sleep-inhibiting substances the way to stay awake and study for exams?

Students like Korey Lawshea, a sophomore biology and psychology major, thinks that sleep inhibitors are a pretty good idea.

“I take lots and lots of No-Doz and drink lots of cold 7-Up,” she said. “I don’t think it’s unhealthy to take it as long as you are responsible.”

Some students only use No Doz if they are in desperate need of a quick pick-me-up.

“I try to stay awake naturally, but when I can’t stay awake, I will take some No Doz,” sophomore business major Ryan Goodale said.

But is this the best way to stay awake?

“Neither [caffeine and No-Doz] are a good idea for several reasons,” said Sandra Belman, NIU coordinator of Health Enhancement Services. “Increasing caffeine consumption can actually interfere with the important deep sleep. So can using other substances such as over-the-counter products to make you stay awake. In fact, having more caffeine than you’re used to having, can result in a ‘crash’ soon afterward. In rare instances, some people have actually over-dosed on such stuff.”

Exercising is one way to keep the eyes open in a healthy way.

“A brisk run or walk will make you more alert for the time being and it will help you sleep deeper and feel more rested,” Belman said.

So, what’s the best way to study?

“Do it naturally with sleep,” sophomore accountancy major Paul Betlinski said.

Power naps are a healthy alternative to pulling an all-nighter.

“Twenty to 30 minutes of napping can help with alertness, however, it’s not a substitute for sleep,” Belman said.