When exams approach we try and put in extra hours of study. Most of us feel sleepy when we pick up books or reference material related to study. In times like these we have two choices, succumb to sleep or keep awake. Sleep comes easy; keeping awake is the difficult part. This article shares tips on ways to avoid sleep while studying.

When exams approach we try and put in extra hours of study. Most of us feel sleepy when we pick up books or reference material related to study. In times like these we have two choices, succumb to sleep or keep awake. Sleep comes easy; keeping awake is the difficult part. This article shares tips on ways to avoid sleep while studying.

You are bound to feel lethargic when you are studying late night. Everybody’s asleep while you sit glued to your books.

Can’t help it! Every student longs for sleep, but it is important to sacrifice those precious hours of sleep if you want to improve your grades. Here are tips on ways to avoid sleep while studying. Whether you’re in college or in school these tried and tested ways work.

Avoid Physical Exertion

If you exert your body during the day you are likely to fall asleep earlier than usual. Make sure you do not play a sport till you’re dog tired. If you regularly hit the gym make sure you opt for less strenuous workouts. When the body is exerted it is difficult to keep awake for studies late night.

Keep lights in your room switched on

Many individuals make the mistake of keeping only the table lamp switched on at night while studying. What this does is create a cozy ambiance. With only the table lamp switched on, a significant area of the room is in darkness. Keep in mind, an empty bed in a room is more tempting with lights off. If lights are not switched on in your room while you study, you will fall asleep. If you live in a hostel make sure you bribe your roommate/roomies to keep the lights in the room switched on at night.

Do not lie in bed and study

Make it a point to sit on a chair with a backrest, in front of a table when you study. When you lie on a bed and study you get into lazy mode. When this happens you bid goodbye to books and sleep.

Do not have a Heavy Meal

If you have a heavy meal, you’re bound to feel lethargic. When you feel lethargic more often than not you hit the bed. Concentration and retention power diminishes due to excess consumption of food. An early lunch and dinner is recommended for students. Do not skip meals or go without food. Studying becomes difficult on an empty stomach. When you feel hungry late at night you can always have a quick snack. Fruits are the best late night snack.

Avoid studying subjects or topics that are difficult at night

At night you are more likely to feel sleepy if you are studying a difficult subject or tackling a complex chapter. Leave the difficult bit for day study. At night it is recommended you pick topics that are interesting and engrossing. Your Favorite subjects are recommended for night study.

Avoid using a table fan when you study

Many students that study at a table have a mini table fan blowing manic wind directly in their face. Table fans put you to sleep. When strong wind from a table fan blows directly in your face on a hot summer day, it’s almost like a sensual face massage. This makes you feel sleepy. If you don’t have a ceiling fan in your room keep the table fan at a distance and ensure wind does not blow directly in your face.

Drink lots of Water

This is a trick most students use before exams. When you drink a lot of water you do not fall asleep easily because of the frequent trips you need to make to the bathroom to urinate. This may not be the best solution to keep awake, but in crunch situations it works best.

Move around in your room

When you feel sleepy move around in your room, it works. Many individuals walk as they study to prevent sleep from taking over.

Avoid having sodas

Many students make the mistake of consuming aerated soft drinks during studies. The sugar and caffeine content in sodas/aerated drinks makes an individual less attentive thereby resulting in lapses of concentration. When you lose concentration at night, the first thing you do is sleep. One would argue caffeine is an excellent stimulant to keep you awake, it is, but not with sugar. Fresh juices in their natural form are an excellent choice at night. If you cannot live without tea or coffee go ahead, but without sugar.

Take a nap in the afternoon

If you want to study late night make sure you take a nap in the afternoon. An afternoon nap helps immensely. Individuals that take an afternoon nap can keep awake for studies late night.

Take a Heavy Metal break

When you feel extremely sleepy reach for your iPod and listen to a heavy metal song with the volume turned up. Just one song is enough to give you an adrenalin rush and keep you awake. If you don’t like heavy metal listen to a song from any genre that offers a thump. Avoid listening to a love song as it sends you in drift-away mode. When you get in a lovey-dovey mood you keep you books aside and concentrate on other activities.

Study loudly

Studying loudly may not work for all, but it does help in times when you feel sleepy. Hearing your own voice while you move around your room does work its magic.

Take a hot water bath

If you’re trying hard to keep awake but are not succeeding try a quick hot water bath. Even if you’re done bathing for the day a second bath is always refreshing. After a hot water shower make sure you apply talcum powder, body spray or a deodorant that has a strong smell. When your nostrils feel the tickle of a powerful scent sleep disappears.

Feel free to share your experiences on how you managed to evade sleep while studying.