We all, sooner or later, have a valid reason to appear sleepy when we are not. Maybe you are an actor who wants to bring more realism to the scene or, by pretending to need a nap, you are just trying to get away from a boring conversation, leave a party, get rid of a task or a chore. Therefore, you may be better off simulating gestures and behaviors typical of those who have not slept too much, without overdoing it.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Simulating the Attitude of a Sleepy Person
Step 1. Yawn frequently
While we automatically link yawning to sleepiness, it's actually a natural reflex that allows us to stay awake because it increases oxygen supply and heart rate. Why it looks contagious is still up for debate, but you can use this gesture to your advantage.
- Practice making deep, convincing yawns without being ridiculous, opening your mouth too much, or making excessive noises.
- Just the thought of yawning may be enough to trigger a real yawn. In these cases, it is very likely that those around you will do the same, convincing themselves that it is time to close the evening.
Step 2. Rub your eyes
Those with young children quickly learn to associate this gesture with a sign of drowsiness, which nevertheless continues for the rest of their lives. Accompanying it with a convincing yawn, you will be really adept at simulating the need for sleep.
- Eyes tend to dry out when tired, so rubbing them is a natural reaction that helps moisten them. In addition, it also stimulates them to stay open, at least for a short time.
- As with fake yawns, it's best not to overdo it when rubbing your eyes. Observe people who do this when they are actually tired or notice how you do it when you are really sleepy.
Step 3. Show a tired face
Sleepy people never look in perfect shape, so even a convincing yawn accompanied by rubbing your eyes won't work if your face looks joyful and radiant. To complete the picture, you have to add up.
- To name a few obvious signs, sleepy people tend to have red and puffy eyes, dark circles, and downward-facing corners of the mouth.
- By rubbing your eyes, you will favor the redness.
- If you are used to wearing makeup, avoid it in order to make your face look paler and more tired. If anything, blend some eyeliner under your eyes to give the impression of dark circles.
- Practice tucking the corners of your mouth down, not arousing the suspicion that you are straining. Likewise, it also learns to simulate a fatigued gaze. You need to relax your face so that your eyelids look saggy, avoiding faking a frown and dazed expression.
Step 4. Doze off
We have all had episodes of "microsleep" that lead to a momentary abandonment of the head: they indicate that we need to close our eyes immediately. Remember that it is important to react when we quickly fall into a brief unconscious state. For example, when we are driving, we should pull over and take a nap.
- Although it is an experience that happens to anyone, it is worth learning to simulate these temporary episodes of very short sleep. In other words, you should start by gently closing your eyes, relaxing your head and limbs for just a second or two, then visibly jump up (without waving your arms or moaning).
- To improve the effect, try to find some excuse: "Sorry, I dozed off for a second. I slept badly last night."
Part 2 of 2: Acting Like You Had Little Sleep
Step 1. Show yourself awkward
It is difficult to concentrate when you are really sleepy, so it is normal to have difficulty with simpler movements, such as walking in a straight line or picking up and holding objects. Try to be a little clumsy, especially if you usually aren't. That way, it will be obvious that you need to rest.
Of course, you don't have to act like you can't pass an alcohol test. Don't stagger, don't crash into the wall, and don't fumble with all the items you try to grab. Rather, pretend to accidentally swipe a door when walking through it or hit the desk just enough to move some loose papers. You don't have to overdo it by throwing what you are drinking on yourself, but it will be better to drop a napkin, a pen and so on
Step 2. Complicate the simplest decisions
If you've ever spent a sleepless night preparing for an exam or looking after a baby, you know what it's like to be too tired to think straight. Since we cannot think clearly when we have not slept, those in such a situation find it difficult to make even the simplest decisions.
- Be hesitant about choosing a drink or dish at a restaurant, or pretend you can't decide which movie to watch (even if you've been talking about a particular movie for weeks).
- Constantly change your mind. It is normal to be indecisive when tired.
Step 3. Behave senseless
When a person sleeps little, they are subject to sudden mood swings that favor inconsistent behavior. Again, avoid overdoing it so as not to lead others to think that you are on the verge of a nervous breakdown.
- Try to react unexpectedly (but not disproportionately) to a minor problem, such as breaking a shoe lace or getting a late call you were expecting. So, apologize and for some time be visibly friendly and accommodating.
- After an inexplicable gesture, explain that you are feeling a little "out of your mind" because you got little sleep last night.
Step 4. Be impulsive
Tired people also tend to have little control over their impulses and, as a result, are unpredictable not only in their behavior but also in their way of expressing themselves. For example, they can alter for no reason. Additionally, fatigue is revealed through greater difficulty in resisting some cravings, such as that of junk food.
- Pretend to have an insatiable hunger, especially for fatty and sweet foods, as a reward for simulating sleep and fatigue.
- You may think it's too impulsive to jump on stage and perform karaoke, when you would normally never do such a thing. However, be cautious. If you are more sympathetic when you are sleepy and unstoppable, your friends will not give you a break if you start complaining of a certain tiredness. They won't want to lose your "hilarious" side to settle for the "rested" side.
