There’s a reason you don’t hear about a lot of 30somethings pulling all nighters. It’s because we are old and need our sleep. Yesterday was the Web Challenge and it was a test of endurance. I’ve never been so cranky and annoyed for such good causes in my life.
After about 18 hours of continuous consciousness I lose most of my sense of humor and all of my tolerance. I think sometime around 1:30 a.m. (after being up since 6 a.m. and at the event since 7:30 a.m.) I banned sarcasm.
Right around 23 hours of no sleep, I declared myself post-verbal and only communicated using my eyebrows and shoulder shrugs. I was a real joy to be around.
Around 28 hours of no sleep death lasers shot from my eyes in the direction of anyone who was not a pillow or a blanket.
It was rough folks, but I kind of loved every minute of it. I think my crowning achievement is the fact that I did not weep endlessly on my co-workers’ shoulders as the nonprofits crowed about about their new sites and expressed their unending gratitude. I was so happy for all of them, and so proud of all the people (most of whom do not work at The Nerdery) that had so generously donated their time to make new websites that I could barely control myself.
Of course, I am pretty sure that the death lasers evaporated the tears before they left my eyes.
Driving after 19 hours of being awake is the equivalent of driving with a blood alcohol content of .05. I read that somewhere. I read a lot about sleep deprivation.
Also, sleep deprivation for some reason has less of an effect on people who are morally ambiguous. I don’t know why, but that’s what studies have shown.
Of course, I read about this stuff while I was sleep deprived, so it may be misunderstood and/or complete bullshit.
I think I read that driving thing somewhere too, and I must have morals of steel. I was fucking tired and cranky. I’m still not right but my body refuses to sleep past 7 a.m. anymore.