Effects on the metabolism (short term) of extended periods of wakefulness?

[Questor]

Sometimes my job hits me out of the blue (like today) and I end up being active for 24-30 hours without rest. Besides feeling like **** for a few days afterwards, what manners of effects does this have on me?

Aged 29, just a touch too old for this kind of stuff... Currently haven't slept since the morning of 11/28.

[russianwol]

They say that chronical lack of sleep affects your longetivity (sp). Occasional all nighters might be ok as long as you catch up on the sleep. I guess your's is not as bad as constantly undersleeping.

This can have any kinds of effects on you - weakned immune system, lack of alertness, muscle fatigue. Please don't drive ;)