The biggest question that arises during board exams or competitive exams is how to stop falling asleep while studying. Over the years, most of us have heard of top students boasting about their capacity to study long hours at a stretch or studying throughout the night with no sleep at all. But you should NEVER try to force yourself to stay awake all through the night before your exams as it is deep sleep or REM sleep that turns what you studied into long-term memory.
Here are 10 effective ways how to avoid sleep while studying:
1. Sit Straight
Leaning up against pillows or on the couch can make you drowsy. Avoid getting too cosy when you study. Laying down gives the brain a signal to rest in contrast to sitting straight, which alerts the brain. The position in which you study matters a lot. Always sit straight when you study for long hours at night.
2. Do Not Study in the Bedroom
It is best to avoid places you sleep in to study. Also, it is advised to keep luxuries such as leg cushions and pillows at bay when studying as they can make you drowsy. Make a study space in the room, study at a desk, and sit straight on a chair. Also, most students tend to study under a table lamp. It creates a cosy environment and tempts you to sleep in dim surroundings. It is best to study in a bright room.
As per a study, bright light at night helps you stay awake longer and increase productivity. Depending on your choice, you can also choose to study in places like the library, a well-lit area, or a cafe.
3. Move Around a Little
As per a study, a 10-minute walk can improve memory and concentration. It also relieves exam stress. Walking pumps oxygen to the brain and muscles. It quickly boosts blood circulation in the body and energises you. Whether you move outside or in the house, it will alert and refresh you. So, take short breaks—either dance, walk, or stretch—do whatever suits you.
4. Keep Hydrated
As per a study, dehydration can lead to fatigue. It will drain your energy and make cognitive functions like studying difficult. Also, it affects short-term memory, alertness, concentration, and perception. It is best to keep yourself hydrated when studying, especially in summer. Though the amount of water one should have varied, 3-4 litres is a must for every student.
5. Eat Healthily
Your energy level depends upon what you eat and how you eat. Though you may feel tempted to have junk food, unhealthy snacks, and sugary beverages, they may spike sugar levels. They can also make you sluggish. Also, sugary snacks result in lethargy and mental fog. Instead, you can opt for peanut butter, carrots with low-fat dips, and yoghurt with nuts and fruits.
Aim to have a balanced diet and small meals frequently. Each meal should have protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates. Do not forget to include fruits, nuts, and probiotics. Also, if you overeat, you can doze off, so avoid doing that.
6. Active Study Methods
To get good grades in school and college, you need to read and reread textbooks enough to absorb all the information. Repetition can be boring at times; you can try active study techniques to get the most out of textbooks without feeling sleepy. Some methods you can try are described below:
- Read loudly
- Teach your friends or classmates. Group studies motivate and stimulate new interpretations of textbook materials. It also helps to solidify concepts and avoid falling asleep. You can also relax and enjoy studying with friends.
- Make visual notes like diagrams or charts.
- Solve as many practice exercises as you can.
7. Nap and Get Quality Sleep
As per a study, frequent napping or proper sleep keeps you attentive improves your mood, short-term and long-term memory. All of these improve learning. Also, it reduces the chances of sleeping during studies. It is no surprise that those with irregular sleeping patterns and poor sleep have decreased academic performance.
Make a sleep schedule as per the famous saying ‘Early to bed and early to rise’. You will wake up fresh and energetic. With a refreshed mind, you can study better. So, stick to a good sleep schedule and take short naps between studies to avoid drowsiness. One should not take a nap during bedtime and not more than once a day.
8. Write and Learn
Reading and rereading everything can get monotonous—you are more likely to get bored and invite sleepiness. So, it is advised that you learn by writing. It will keep your brain active, and also, you can prepare notes that are going to help you for last-minute revisions.
9. Strategise your Study Plan
You are more likely to feel drowsy during night studies. Go for easy and enjoyable topics at night. Avoid difficult topics and complex problems at night. Also, rotate study topics. When you have difficulty keeping awake, switch to another subject or topic.
10. Switch Tasks
Take a break and switch tasks when you start feeling sleepy during your studies. Do not study for long hours. You can also take a 15 to 20-minute break after every 2 to 3 hours. Engage yourself in tasks that make you active and alert, like listening to music, watching TV, or drawing something.
