Sleeping can be frustrating. When you’re desperate for some much-needed rest, you find yourself staring at the ceiling, so alert you could probably pilot a lunar lander. But when you’re at work or in class, desperate for that level of wakefulness, you find yourself nodding your head and losing track of time in five-minute increments.

In times like these, it’s natural to turn to our old friend caffeine. And hey, caffeine works! Throwing back a cup of coffee or an energy drink (or caffeine pills, if you’re hardcore) will definitely give you the short-term boost you need to get through that afternoon slump or that all-night binge you’re stuck in. But caffeine isn’t always the best option. While moderate doses can keep you awake and even have health benefits, too much can negatively impact your health and even moderate amounts can affect your overall sleep patterns, leaving you stuck in a never-ending loop of exhaustion and caffeine dependency to get you through your days.

It’s actually not that hard to stay awake without caffeine. If you have a sleepy afternoon or a long night to get through and stay awake without caffeine, here’s how.

Caffeine is a short-term solution to staying awake. The better option is to give yourself an energy boost with the two things your body needs for that energy: water and food.