taylor: "Pressing on" is the term for it. I remember realizing back around Day 3 of my Dymaxion sleep trial that I was now able to start drifting while walking down the street. (Needless to say, I stopped walking during really tired times so I didn't walk into the path of a car or something.)
For me, social interaction was the best way to keep myself awake--anytime I was actively engaged in interacting with another person, I was easily able to stay awake. If you haven't already, that might be a good tactic to try when things get bad.
A lot of the symptoms you're talking about are (probably) from a weakened immune system--that'll happen when your body hits extreme sleep deprivation (usually around Day 4 or 5).
I hope this turns around for you soon!
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