Download ArticleDownload ArticleThis article was co-authored by Shahpar Mirza and by How.com.vn staff writer, Eric McClure. Shahpar Mirza is a Community Expert who received his BS in Product Design from Stanford University in 2019. Throughout his high school and college career, Shahpar has faced numerous instances where he dealt with sleepiness in educational settings.
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Falling asleep during class is common for many students, no matter how old you are. Late night study sessions, a long shift at work, a boring teacher, or even a warm classroom can send you off to dreamland in no time. Thankfully, there are a few tactics you can use to keep yourself awake and energized throughout the day to avoid dozing during class.
Steps
How.com.vn Quiz: Why Can't I Sleep?
Expert Q&A
- QuestionWhat are some things I can do to keep from falling asleep in class?
Alex Dimitriu, MDAlex Dimitriu, MD is the Owner of Menlo Park Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine, a clinic based in the San Francisco Bay Area with expertise in psychiatry, sleep, and transformational therapy. Alex earned his Doctor of Medicine from Stony Brook University in 2005 and graduated from the Stanford University School of Medicine's Sleep Medicine Residency Program in 2010. Professionally, Alex has dual board certification in psychiatry and sleep medicine.
Sleep Medicine & Psychiatry ProfessionalSimple things like tapping your foot to a tune, squeezing a stress ball, or doodling can give your brain something to focus on and wake you back up. Just make sure whatever you do isn't distracting you from paying attention in class! - QuestionWhy do I feel sleepy even though I sleep for 7 hours per day?
Hannah MaddenCommunity AnswerYou might need more sleep. If you're a teenager, you should be getting around 10 hours of sleep per night. Young adults should aim for at least 8 to 9 hours of sleep per night. Everyone's different, so you can find the sleep schedule that works best for you. - QuestionHow do you stop feeling sleepy while studying?Hannah MaddenCommunity AnswerTry to study early in the day so you aren't forcing yourself to stay awake and study. Set up a dedicated study space (like a desk) so you don't have to sit in your bed. Take breaks when you need to and try drinking water to wake yourself up.
Tips
- Feeling tired throughout the day can be caused by some health conditions, like narcolepsy or sleep apnea. If you’re concerned, make an appointment with a doctor.[17]Thanks
Warnings
- While drinking caffeine can help keep you awake in the short term, it’s very disruptive for your sleep cycle. Try to avoid drinking caffeine late in the day so you don’t impact your bedtime that night.[18]Thanks
References
- ↑ https://www.edutopia.org/blog/asking-better-questions-deeper-learning-ben-johnson
- ↑ https://jindal.utdallas.edu/blog/sleeping-in-class-dos-donts/
- ↑ https://jindal.utdallas.edu/blog/sleeping-in-class-dos-donts/
- ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/the-thinking-benefits-of-doodling-2016121510844
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4449949/
- ↑ https://www.salemhealth.org/services/sleep/good-sleep-habits/how-to-stay-awake-naturally
- ↑ Shahpar Mirza. Community Expert. Expert Interview. 3 March 2020.
- ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/healthyschools/physicalactivity/pa-before-after.htm
- ↑ Shahpar Mirza. Community Expert. Expert Interview. 3 March 2020.
- ↑ https://www.khanacademy.org/khan-for-educators/resources/parents-mentors-1/khan-academy-accounts/a/seven-tips-for-setting-up-a-productive-learning-space-at-home
- ↑ https://harvard.service-now.com/ithelp?id=kb_article&sys_id=4c3290f6db5b845430ed1dca4896197f
- ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/blue-light-has-a-dark-side
- ↑ https://sleepfoundation.org/how-sleep-works/how-much-sleep-do-we-really-need
- ↑ Shahpar Mirza. Community Expert. Expert Interview. 3 March 2020.
- ↑ https://www.med.upenn.edu/csi/the-impact-of-sleep-on-learning-and-memory.html
- ↑ https://goaskalice.columbia.edu/answered-questions/why-cant-i-stay-awake-in-class/
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/11429-sleep-disorders
- ↑ https://www.uofmhealth.org/student-sleep-problems
About This Article
If you want to stop sleeping in class, start by asking and answering questions to help you stay engaged and awake during the lesson. If you're starting to feel like you might doze off, get up to sharpen your pencil or ask to go to the bathroom and get a drink of water. Try stretching in your seat if you aren't able to get up, or quietly fidget with things on your desk, like pens, paper, and erasers to keep your mind occupied. If your teacher allows it, bring a bottle of water and a snack to class to keep your energy up! For tips on staying energized throughout the day and getting restful sleep, keep reading!
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