Introduction
Most often, studying makes an individual feel weary and exhausted, especially late at night. Gone are days when studying meant no fun. There are techniques one may use to improve their focus while studying.
To combat fatigue and improve study skills, all that is required is a few minor modifications to the daily schedule. It can be difficult at exam times. The body experiences the effects of physical and emotional stress, yet it rarely has time to rest. Studying comes first in comparison to unwinding or relaxation. Yet we worry about getting sleepy every time we sit down to study.
Not allowing oneself to sleep is not advisable. A student can work more effectively during the day if they have a good night's sleep. It aids in long-term memory retention.
Why does a person feel sleepy?
All students desire to perform to the highest level possible and achieve in their exams. Most of them fall asleep throughout the class. It risks their academic progress and consumes valuable time as they prepare for exams.
If a person is wondering why they always feel sleepy while studying, there are various reasons, including those listed below.
Not getting ample rest
Sleeping enough is essential for maintaining good health. Lack of sleep makes a person tired. According to studies, the body heals and regenerates cells while sleeping. As one wakes up after ample rest, this gives them energy and a sense of renewal.
Dehydration
According to studies, dehydration is linked to low energy and a loss of focus. One may feel sleepy all day long as it disrupts the sleep cycle.
Sedentary lifestyle
Most students choose to refrain from exercise before or during exam times. Regular exercise or physical activity has been found in studies to reduce the effects of exhaustion. A sedentary lifestyle makes a person tired and sleepy soon.
Stress
During exam season, many students experience stress. Studies show that stress can cause physical and mental weariness.
Lack of nutrients
Nutritional deficiencies during exam time can result from eating an unbalanced diet. A student experiences fatigue all day as a result. According to studies, the following deficiencies may contribute to persistent sleepiness.
- Vitamin C
- Iron
- Vitamin D
- Magnesium
- B vitamins (B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, B12).
Health issues
Several medical diseases can make a person tired and induce sleep. These include
- Cancer
- Diabetes
- Sleep apnea
- Hypothyroidism
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Mood disorders
- Renal disease
How to avoid sleep while studying?
Sit straight on a chair
One might feel sleepy while leaning on pillows or the couch. During studying, try not to get too comfortable. Rather than lying down, which signals relaxation to the brain, sitting straight signals alertness to the brain. The study environment is very important. While spending hours studying at night, always sit straight.
Stick to a healthy diet
One may become tired and sleepy after eating a lot of fatty foods. Consume a well-balanced, nutritious meal high in fibre and nutrients, such as soups and salads, lentils, and a variety of fruits and vegetables, to prevent a person from dozing off while studying.
Go for fruits high in sugar, such as apples, oranges, and bananas, rather than sweet treats like cakes and chocolates, wanting to satisfy the sweet tooth.
Try munching on some granola or energy bars that are packed with nuts and seeds. Lean proteins are also fantastic for boosting energy.
Avoid your bedroom
Avoid studying in areas where we usually sleep. Also, it's advisable to avoid using extra comforts like leg cushions and pillows while studying, as they can put a person to sleep.
Create a study area in the room, sit upright in a chair when studying and study at a desk.
Also, most students use a table lamp to study. It makes the atmosphere cosy and tempts us to fall asleep in the shadows. It is ideal for studying in a room with natural light.
Bright light at night helps us to remain up longer and be more productive. One can also decide to study in locations like a well-lit space or a library, depending on personal preferences.
Stay hydrated
Water makes up around 75% of the human brain. Dehydration, which results in exhaustion, headaches, poor mental clarity, tension and sleep problems, is caused by not drinking adequate water.
These are all things one needs want to avoid when studying.
Studies demonstrate that maintaining hydration improves academic achievement. To ensure to get adequate hydration when studying, have a bottle of water close at hand at all times.
A person is advised to drink water to stay alert as well as hydrated. Most people actually use this technique as it is the most effective one.
A significant amount of water will keep us active and alert since we will need to use the restroom frequently to urinate. Furthermore, drinking enough water promotes proper brain hydration, which improves memory and retention.
Sleep well and take power naps
Not getting adequate sleep at night is the biggest cause of feeling sleepy when studying. Getting 7 to 8 hours of sleep every night is essential to maintain health.
Have a regular sleeping pattern so that the brain is ready to start feeling sleepy at the same time every night. Do not over or undersleep.
It is acceptable when an individual finds it difficult to acquire the necessary amount of sleep at night before taking board exams. Yet they must make up for it in the middle of the day.
After waking up, the brief energy boost will help them focus.
According to a study, taking frequent naps or getting enough sleep keeps a person alert and enhances their mood and short-term and long-term memory. They all boost learning. Also, it reduces the chance of dozing off while studying.
Study in a well-lit atmosphere
The mistake most students make is studying with just a table lamp lit in the entire room. This makes a significant portion of the room remain dark, creating a cosy environment which would eventually make us more tempted to go to that comfortable bed with dim surroundings. To avoid such a comfy situation, keep the room bright and well-lighted.
Use active learning methods
One will undoubtedly feel drowsy if the person merely passively reads notes or textbooks. The ability to focus will increase on actively learning the information.
The following active learning methods are helpful.
- Create summary notes for each lesson.
- Converse about the subject with classmates.
- Jot down questions arising while reading.
- See case studies that are relevant to the topic.
- Share the topic learnt with others.
- Think about how the subject learnt will be used in the actual world.
Move the body
While feeling sleepy during studying, one can get up and move around for a short while in addition to taking power naps. A person just needs to get the body moving.
One can move about while stretching and dancing or just go for a 10-minute stroll outside. Even better, a person can move around their room studying while carrying the book.
Walking supplies oxygen to the muscles and brain. It instantly increases blood circulation throughout the body and gives energy.
It will awaken and re-energise an individual. Hence, take short breaks and move around, stretch or dance as per personal choice.
Wash the face and refresh
When studying for an exam, washing the face while feeling sleepy is an effective way to stay awake. One of the most tried-and-true techniques, and one that Indian parents may recommend the most, is this one. A person tends to feel energised and awake after washing their face.
If the eyes are constantly glued to a book and feel heavy and itchy, wash the face with cold water. This makes one feel calm, revived and awake as a result.
While reading and studying from a computer screen, take a break every 20 to 30 minutes to prevent eye strain. An individual can also power up by taking a shower or washing the face, or even brushing the teeth.
Switch tasks often
When a person gets sleepy when studying, taking a break and switching tasks is helpful. Keep the study sessions short. Every two to three hours, one can also take a 15 to 20-minute break. Take part in activities that involve moving and being alert, such as watching TV, listening to music or painting.
Conclusion
Most students tend to feel sleepy while studying, particularly at night, which is common. There are many ways and techniques one can implement to combat sleepiness. To boost learning and to stay awake, a person can take breaks, drink water, wash their face, remain active, use active learning methods and study in a well-lit area. One can also discover what keeps them awake and have a productive learning time.
FAQs
When I study, I feel sleepy. Why?
What is a trick to stay awake?
1. Take a break to feel alert.
2. Avoid eye fatigue by taking rest.
3. Move around and get up at regular intervals.
4. The best way to combat fatigue is to sleep.
5. Have a nutritious snack to increase energy.
6. Initiate discussions to activate the brain.
7. Increase the lighting to combat tiredness.
How can I focus on studying?
1. Establish objectives for studying - Setting the study goals and starting with the fundamentals should come first.
2. Establish a study schedule - The next step is to create a weekly study schedule for deciding the goals.
3. Keep the priorities front and centre.
