|
Dr. Robert Oexman
Director of the Sleep to Live Institute
We know that learning takes a
time commitment — so does sleep. If students
develop a consistent routine for studying and
sleep, it will likely mean higher grades and
more time for other school activities.
Here are 8 sleep tips to get you the grades you
are looking for:
-
Turn Electronics Off:
Make a commitment to turn off all
electronics 30 minutes before bed. Blue
light emitted from computers, smart phones,
and tablets hurts natural sleep processes.
-
Eight — Yes,
Eight Hours: Set a routine and
commit to getting at least 8 hours of sleep,
but preferably more if possible.
-
Smart Snacking:
If you have to stay awake during finals try
low-calorie non-caffeinated foods like
sunflower seeds. The activity will keep you
awake but will not interrupt sleep when you
are ready to snooze.
-
Say No to Stimulants:
From caffeine to energy drinks — stimulants,
both legal and non-legal, have been shown to
impact sleep, and that will impact your
ability to remember what you just stayed up
late to learn.
-
Remember to REM: If you have to
stay awake before an exam get at least 6
hours of sleep the night before. This will
allow you to get at least some amount of REM
sleep, which occurs later in the night and
helps consolidate your memories.
-
Dorm Room Rules:
If you sleep in a dormitory, use eye masks
and earplugs to drown out the light and
noise. You will be amazed how this can
impact your sleep and your grades.
-
Limit Naps:
If you nap, keep it to 30 minutes or less.
You are better off studying during this time
and sleeping later in the night.
-
Everyone Should
Exercise: Exercise helps students
in two ways — making you more alert when
it’s time to study and helping you to relax
when it’s time to fall asleep.
In the end, ignoring the need
for sleep will only lead to lower grades and
productivity. On the flip side, making a
commitment to sleep will lead to a lifetime of
learning with much less effort and time.
|
