By Brittany Tankersley | Photographer
Since exam one is just around the corner for many students, the dreaded question of when to study looms overhead. Do I wake up early and study, or do I stay up late? As a senior, I have struggled with this decision more than once, but staying up late has most often given me the best result.
Getting a good night’s rest is definitely important, but sleep can also help with the recall of study material. Especially on those exams for which you only study once, it is better to stay up late and get some sleep after memorizing terms than to wake up early and cram.
I have also experienced sleeping through morning alarms. This not only causes you to be late for your test but also prevents you from studying at all prior. It is a terrible situation to be in and could easily be fixed by studying at night instead.
It is also easier to coordinate schedules with friends at night for group study sessions, since many Baylor students have classes early in the morning. Group study sessions are a great tool not only if you are struggling to understand a concept but also to simply keep yourself accountable and prevent procrastination.
While night studying is better than morning studying, it is still important to set some guidelines before you study. Try setting up a time frame during which you plan to study, and set your phone aside during that time. This helps maximize your study time so that you can get more sleep and not waste time.
The nighttime is also more peaceful than the morning. By 7 p.m., I have usually eaten dinner and done everything I needed to do for the day. This allows me to have a clearer mind and fully focus on my studies.
Ultimately, it is up to you when you choose to study, but as a senior who has stayed up late, woke up early and missed a test or two, I can definitively say that staying up late is the best form of studying.
FAQs
It has been proven that studying in the evening will help you consolidate your learning and improve your recall. Research shows that studying at night can also help you retain new skills like learning a new language. Studying before bedtime can ensure your memory consolidation process is at its peak.
Is it okay to study at night and sleep during the day? ›
Certain hormones regulations and your circadian rhythm get disturbed by changing sleeping pattern. It's not advisable for MONTH to staying awake at night and sleeping during the day. Because even if you sleep 6–7 hours in day u won't get proper deep sleep when compared to sleeping in night.
Is it necessary to wake up early for study? ›
Studies have shown that morning people tend to have higher levels of alertness and focus in the early hours of the day, which can make studying more effective. On the other hand, night owls may feel more productive and focused during the night, when there are fewer distractions.
What time should you stop studying at night? ›
Avoid late-night study
If you're using a laptop or tablet, the blue light from these devices will also interrupt the release of melatonin, the hormone that brings on sleepiness. You can prevent this by switching off blue-light devices and closing your textbooks at least two hours before bedtime.
Why am I only able to study at night? ›
For some students, they have more energy later in the day. Hence, the evening or night time is a more effective time for them to read and study. Studying at this time also helps to improve your concentration and creativity as there are fewer distractions, and with everyone in bed, there is definitely peace and quiet.
Why does my brain work best at night? ›
Your Ultradian Cycles Manifest Themselves in the Evening
There are 90-minute periods of heightened productivity and focus within a circadian cycle. Referred to as “ultradian cycles,” these bursts of energy allow your brain to perform at its best.
Why you shouldn't study the night before? ›
Late night cram sessions aren't a very effective way to study. It may seem like you're making the most of your time by studying until the last minute, but by not giving your brain a chance to rest you'll have a harder time remembering the information you studied.
Why do I study better at night than day? ›
Just as there are plenty of positives for studying during the day, there are various reasons why night-time is the best time to study for some. The most obvious advantage of studying at night is the abundance of peace and quiet you have. Night-time is when people are more relaxed, quiet and contemplative.
Can studying all night be effective? ›
Some college students swear by all-nighters to pack in extra study time. But staying up all night often backfires. That's because sleep deprivation harms your cognitive functioning. Without sleep, your attention span crashes, you'll struggle to focus, and your memory takes a hit.
Is it OK to wake up at 3am to study? ›
I ALWAYS snooze and feel drained and would lay in bed. However, I've ALWAYS felt INTENSE INTENSE motivation at 3 AM, but as I mentioned, the feeling wore off when I woke up the next day. I felt pretty bad about this, so I stayed up at 3 AM a couple of times to get some studying done- and it was amazing.
Early morning: Waking up early in the morning, around 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m., aligns with the natural rise of the sun and can promote a sense of well-being. Many successful individuals swear by the benefits of starting their day early.
What time should a college student wake up? ›
With this in mind, try to set up your sleep schedule in a way that accommodates your earliest class. For instance, if your earliest class during the week starts at 10 a.m., aim to wake up 60 to 90 minutes ahead of that time every day (for example, around 8:30 or 9), not just on the day(s) when that class meets.
Is it better to study late at night or morning? ›
For some students, morning hours are the best for studying, while for others studying during the night brings out the best results. According to science, the best hours to study are between 10 am and 2 pm, from 4 pm to 10 pm. This is a time when the human brain is in acquisition mode.
Is it better to cram or sleep? ›
When it comes to retaining new information, napping has been proven to be even more effective than cramming. There is a delicate balance between napping just enough and napping too much, though. Limit your naps to 20 to 30 minutes, and plan for naps to end by late afternoon.
Is it productive to study at night? ›
Enhanced Creativity
Some studies suggest that creativity and problem-solving abilities can peak during the night. Engaging in creative tasks or brainstorming sessions might be more effective for certain individuals during nighttime hours.
What time of day do you study better? ›
Many studies suggest that 2 PM to 5 PM are the most effective hours for studying. Their critical thinking and analytical skills also work best during this time. For some, the best time of day to study is the afternoon. Let's now look at a few benefits of studying during the daytime.
Is it better to study in the dark or light? ›
Go for bright lights to mimic natural daylight in your study or dorm. While warmer, softer lighting can be cozy and relaxing, it's not ideal for studying. Bright lights, on the other hand, will keep you alert and focused so you can complete your assignments.
What time of day does your brain work best? ›
New research shows that our brains work best in the middle of the day - if asked to perform abstract, logical or problem-solving tasks.
Is it better to stay up late or wake up early to do homework? ›
Yes, refreshed minds are the main reason students should study in the morning. When the mind is fresh, it can lead to better comprehension and retention of information. Furthermore, a consistent sleep schedule can be maintained when this routine occurs.