How to stay awake for 24 hours
It made me
a zombie 
"In a word, coffee..."
How I did it: I played waaaaay too much Left 4 Dead.
I've actually stayed up for 24 hours several times in my life, and it can be fun to test yourself.
I don't like the last hour or two, though. It tends towards two thoughts, namely:
"I need another coffee..."
"Oh GODS I need a smoke..."
In the end, it's easy if you keep your brain active and stay somewhere well lit.
Lessons & tips: Stay active, do something that takes mental effort.
Stay somewhere well lit, avoid darkness and shadows.
Get involved in a philosophical conversation, it tends to keep me going for a while.
Music can help, energetic music.
Resources: Coffee helped, tobacco kept the coffee company.
