We’ve all been in this situation. You’re at your desk set on tackling that huge pile of notes, but your eyelids get heavy, and before you realize it, your textbook becomes your pillow. We need to figure out how to stay awake without drinking coffee by the gallon. Don’t worry—I have some easy kind of funny, tips to help you stay alert while you study.
Tips To Avoid Sleep During Studying
Table of Contents
1. Progress with Purpose
Let’s be honest: what is the point of studying if you do not study with any goals? You know the types when you opened up your textbook and scanned via pages. This doesn’t serve you whatsoever. You just need to create a study plan and set some small goals
For this goal as well. So, by digesting your study in small enough pieces, you can trick your mind into believing that it’s working towards a goal. And let me tell you, your brain loves thinking it is marking off tasks on a list.
For example, put a timer for 25 minutes and concentrate on one topic or part, and after that have some time off. And by reward, I mean something that would add value — like giving them a treat or letting them check their Instagram for a minute — but funny. I guarantee you will be surprised at just how far some kind of reward system keeps you going.
2. Let There Be Light!
Like when it gets dark out and you turn the lights off except for one tiny dim light in the corner of the room? Yes, because when there is dim light your brain starts to prime up for rest and sleeping. Therefore, if you study in low lighting, it will make the task even easier to fall asleep.
The solution? Brighten up the room. Natural lighting is always best so open the windows or flip on every light you own in your study area. Exposure to bright light forces your system to stay awake on this line of thinking.
For those of you still studying at night, choose cold white lights, not warm yellow ones. The idea is that white light approximates daylight and keeps the brain vigilant, whereas yellow light has—dun, dun, dun—the opposite effect (hint: it’s pretty much like a lullaby for your noggin).
Remember: You’re not a vampire! Embrace the light and let it keep you awake.
3. Sit Up Straight
Okay, here’s a confession: everyone knows it is unwise to study in bed, but the bed sometimes seems to invite you, isn’t it? It’s cozy with a good warm temperature and leaves an overall feeling of homeliness. But here’s the truth: this is very true, even if the strongest person with the utmost willpower the bed is the ultimate winner. Always. That is if you start sitting absolutely straight with all your notes arranged in a perfectly aligned manner, within the initial 10 minutes of a lecture you will have started slouching and within the next few minutes you find yourself flat on your bed with your laptop resting on your chest and your drool on the pillow.
4. Keep Away from Your Bedroom
Don’t study in bed. Your brain knows that your bed is associated with sleep, so when you attempt to study while lying in bed, you’re confusing your brain. However, if you must have a more stationary course of action, do it at a desk or a table to keep a good posture. If you have to stand or sit for any length of time, shake your legs, wiggle in your seat, or lean forward if you feel yourself nodding off.
Not only that, sitting upright will assist in preventing your mind from becoming drowsy. I remember using this technique but the whole idea of sleeping with a straight back was confusing. It’s not that easy you see?
The idea is to maintain conscious discomfort: I like trying to push myself to the edge, but not quite, because that is miserable.
5. Hydrate Like a Boss
You’d be surprised how much a simple glass of water can do for you. Dehydration makes you tired, sluggish, and generally less sharp. Water is your best friend when you’re trying to stay awake and focused. Every time you feel yourself starting to fade, chug some water. You’ll instantly feel more awake, and your brain will thank you for it.
And don’t worry about all those bathroom breaks. In fact, getting up to walk to the bathroom is a good thing! It gives you a chance to move, stretch, and wake up. Plus, sitting in one spot for hours isn’t great for your focus or energy levels anyway.
Pro tip: Keep a big water bottle next to you while studying, and take regular sips. You’ll stay hydrated, awake, and alert. Just be prepared for the extra trips to the bathroom!
6. Eat Strong, Stay Strong
Despite the endless advertising that it works, sugary snacks and junk food are not your friends; they are only adding work for your kidneys and liver. Yes, you are going to experience a crazy energy spike but once it dies down you will crash and probably feel more tired than before. What you eat while studying significantly impacts how alert and focused you remain.
These may include fruits, nuts or some yogurt Make it quite simple for you that instead of grabbing that cheap candy bar why not just eat something else like a fruit? High-protein foods like nuts or cheese will provide longer-lasting energy and keep your mind focused. Extra bonus points if you’re munching on blueberries or dark chocolate as they are brain-boosting superfoods!
It is like putting low-grade fuel in your car- it’s going to die after a short period of time. But if you give it the good, wholesome fuel that it needs then you should make calories last longer and not have a slump halfway through your revision session.
7. Use Active Study Methods
Passive studying is excellently described as a recipe for sleep. The act of merely flipping through notes or using highlights without engaging the brain is like waving the checkered flag and telling your brain that it can coast. Employ lively study techniques so you do not feel sleepy during your study sessions.
One might attempt to memorize a concept by testing oneself through questions or use flash cards or try to verbalize an idea on paper.
Explaining something to someone else or even to your pet allows you to go deeper into the information which makes you less sleepy. Still better – use mind maps or diagrams to make the connections more visual.
undefined It might work to study while standing up. It is not recommended that you stand for the entire period, however, occasionally standing up or walking around when going over your notes keeps your limbs active and your mind alert.
Remember: the more active your participation is, the less likely you are to doze off to sleep in your chair
8. Study with Friends
It is a myth that studying has to be done alone all the time. In fact, sitting for classes with friends is effective in making one alert and focused. There is pressure to remain active and engaged with the world and others when in their company, unlike when you are alone where you may tend to daydream.
Also, you and your group members can pressure each other to review material or prepare for exams.
Still, there are differences between effective collaboration and total distraction.
Ensure that your study group is in place to work and not just to chat or spend time together. Otherwise, the conversation will go in a different direction and you will not discuss the topic at all. (Netflix spoilers included.)
Tip: Select friends who are as serious as you are with the study session and state on what you intend to achieve in that session. Well, sometimes, it can be as exciting as a game: you know, of trying to figure out who is smarter and quicker at coming up with solutions to problems.
Another Aricles: What Supplements Help You Sleep Deeper?
9. Drink Water—Again!
Yes, I mentioned it earlier, but it’s that important. Drink water regularly! If you’re feeling sleepy, a few sips of water might be all you need to wake back up. You can also splash a little on your face if you’re feeling extra drowsy (but maybe save that move for home and not the library).
10. Learn by Writing
Here’s a trick that works like magic: put it into writing What you are learning. There is something about writing compared to just reading or typing, which must activate the brain at a deeper level. Taking notes, outlining key ideas, drawing lists, and writing assists in comprehension and fighting sleep.
Furthermore, writing by hand makes one slow down and probably engages the brain in deeper thinking than otherwise. Well, just grab yourself a notebook and pen and jot down some notes the good old-fashioned way. Extra credit if color coordinated or if you have to doodle to stay awake!
MOST COMMON QUESTION
What is the best time to study?
The best time to study depends on personal preference, but many find mornings or early afternoons ideal for focus and productivity due to higher energy levels and fewer distractions.
How do I stop studying in bed?
To stop studying in bed, create a designated study space, use a desk or table, and avoid bringing study materials to your bed to keep it associated with rest.
What is the trick to study?
The trick to studying effectively is to use active learning techniques like summarizing, questioning, and teaching others, along with taking regular breaks and staying consistent.