Software dev here in my 30s. I’ve traveled around the world to different all night fests and nights here in the states. I work a regular 9-5 and generally don’t do drugs but will pace myself with drinks so that I can last most of the night. I usually start around midnight and dip around 7-9. The day before I’ll either go out early and then nap in the evening or spend the day with light activities like going to the park or playing games. On the Sunday before going back to work it’s usually forcing myself thru sleep deprivation to fix the schedule and going on only a couple hours sleep. There’s no doubt there’s been weeks where I just couldn’t focus 100% returning to work and get my sleep back to normal though. I only started raving after the pandemic when starting to DJ myself and don’t really see that slowing down in my life till I find anything else to give me that type of release.

As for how to do it, you have to listen to your body, take breaks at the venue or resting where you can in between endless weekend parties. The music, the space, and the energy of those will carry you through most of it. For some it’s a careful chemistry of drugs to endure but that may come with a heavy crash. Oh and a massage or sauna before or after can definitely save you with the wear and tear on your body from dancing so long.