SLEEP: THE SECRET INGREDIENT FOR EXAM SUCCESS

Jomari Langenhoven
@___joma.ri__

 

During exam season, students may find themselves having late-night study sessions, cramming a day before exams, and loading up on caffeine. Although spending enough hours studying for an exam is important, students often overlook another crucial element to achieving exam success; sleep.

 

Most adults require seven to nine hours of sleep to feel fully rested. In pursuit of academic success, many students sacrifice hours of sleep, unaware of the negative impact this may have on their performance.
According to Sleepfoundation.org, poor sleep impacts memory, creativity, and logical reasoning, which are all skills needed to perform well on an exam.

 

Other possible effects of sleep deprivation include; impaired immune function, increased susceptibility to illness and infection, increased stress levels, increased risk of depression, and impaired cognitive performance.

 

Students often opt to cram instead of sleep, thinking the extra time studying will benefit them on their exam, but research suggests the opposite. Research says that students who enjoy good quality sleep in the month and week leading up to an exam achieve higher grades.

Although it may seem impossible to get enough sleep before an exam due to workload or stress, there are many ways to achieve a good night’s sleep before an exam.

 

To increase your quality of sleep before an exam, the University of Surrey suggests the following:

• Schedule time for sleep.
• Watch what you eat and don’t eat less than 2-3 hours before bed.
• Limit your caffeine intake and try avoiding caffeine after 3 pm.
• Don’t use your smartphone in bed.
• Have a bedtime routine.
• Clear your head before bed – this can be done by journalling your thoughts before you go to sleep.

 

The need for cramming and sacrificing sleep before an exam is often a result of poor study habits and a lack of planning. Here are some tips to avoid cramming before an exam:

• Stop procrastinating.
• Study a bit each day.
• Follow a study schedule.
• Study material in chunks.
• Save the night before an exam for final review.

 

The importance of a good night’s sleep before an exam cannot be overstated. Well-rested students can approach their exams with clear minds, improved focus and confidence. While you prepare for your exams, remember that prioritising sleep is essential to achieving academic success.

 

Edited by Simoné de Witt