What if the secret to acing your exams isn’t studying more, but sleeping more? With deadlines piling up, exams always there, and extracurriculars filling your schedule during school, it’s easy to sacrifice sleep. But research shows that this habit might be hurting more than helping. Prioritizing rest could actually boost your performance more than another late-night study session.
The Reason Behind This
Most of the real cognitive gains happen while you sleep; sleep actually strengthens your memories and information you studied during the day, which is necessary for you to recall the information accurately during a test.
Studies show that even just one night of reduced sleep results in a decreased ability to take in new information. This means that not only do you retain less of what you studied the day before, but you're also less capable of learning new material the next day. Lack of sleep also slows reaction time, reduces concentration, and increases the likelihood of errors, none of which help during an exam.
While cramming may feel productive, trading a full night’s rest for extra study hours often backfires.
How to Improve Your Sleep (and Your Grades)
Research has found that students with inconsistent sleep schedules tend to score lower overall, even if they sleep enough on average. It’s not just about how much you sleep, it’s about how regularly you sleep well, too.
- Be consistent – Go to bed and wake up within 30 minutes of the same time every day.
- Prioritize rest – Sometimes sleep is more valuable than another chapter of notes. Aim for 8–10 hours a night.
- Watch the caffeine – Especially in the afternoon and evening.
- Stay active – Regular exercise can help you fall asleep faster and sleep more deeply.
Sources:
- https://longevity.stanford.edu/lifestyle/2024/01/10/sleep-and-academic-excellence-a-deeper-look/