Let’s be real, you’re sitting at your desk. The clock says 8 AM. Your textbook is open. Your highlighter is poised. And suddenly… your eyelids are shutting down. You didn’t sign up for this. You came to study, not to nap. But here we are, you’re one soft pillow away from fully surrendering to the inevitable embrace of sleep.
Ever sat down to study anything, only to realize you’re fighting the urge to nap before you even get past the first page? Yeah, you’re not the only one. Students across the board are facing the same struggle (including me). But fear not! This isn’t a cry for help, it’s a cheat code for staying awake and mastering the art of studying, without falling into the sleep trap.
So read me without falling asleep, and if you are ready, let’s dive into this blog on how to beat sleepiness while studying.
Tip no. 1: Trick Your Brain
Your brain is sneaky. It sees the hours long study session as “I’ve got a lot of time, why not sleep for a little while…”
To come out of this pitfall of falling asleep introduce, the Pomodoro Technique, aka the “25 Minutes of Focus, 5 Minutes of Freedom” method into your study routine.
Here’s how it works:
- Study like the clock is your enemy, go all in for 25 minutes. Pretend your final exam starts in exactly half an hour, that urgency keeps your brain sharp and your focus locked in.
- Take a 5-minute break after each 25-minute study session. Dance, scroll, stretch, grab water, or stare at the wall like a philosopher. And whatever you do, set a timer so you actually come back.
- After four rounds, you’ve earned it, take a solid 15–30 minute break. Nap, walk outside, or finally eat that snack you’ve been eyeing.
This keeps your brain focused because it knows relief is coming. It’s like telling your brain: “Relax, we’re not doing a marathon. We’re doing sprints… with snacks.”
Also, set tiny goals. Instead of planning to study all of microbiology text book at ones, try to just focus on one topic at a time.
When you crush that mini-goal, your brain releases a little dopamine party. You feel accomplished. You feel awake. You might even pat yourself in the back (no judgment).
Tip no. 2: Create a Sleep-Proof Study Zone (aka, No More Couch Studying)
Let’s address the elephant in the room. you’re studying on your bed, aren’t you? Stop it. Right now. That’s like trying to resist chocolate while being locked in Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory.
Your study space should scream “WAKE UP,” not “cozy nap sanctuary.”
Here’s how you can build a nearly perfect study area:
- Light it up! Turn on bright lights or setup your study area with a lot of exposure to natural light
- Sit at a desk. Or a kitchen table. Or even a park bench if you’re feeling dramatic. Just not on a bed.
- Keep it clutter-free. A messy desk equals a messy brain. And a messy brain is one that whispers, “Just close your eyes for two minutes…” (except for some of you, who are productive under seriously messy conditions)
Bonus tip: Blast some upbeat instrumental music or lo-fi beats. Just avoid sad piano covers of pop songs those are basically lullabies in disguise.
Tip no. 3: Snack Smart
You know that post full plate of kottu feast, “I’ve entered full food coma mode,” feeling? Yeah, don’t do that before studying.
Heavy, greasy meals are like throwing an anchor on your energy levels. Instead, replace your choice of snack with healthy alternatives.
Here are some of my suggestions,
- Almonds, walnuts like nuts with its satisfying crunch (especially, if you are a food ASMR lover) would help you get rid of that encroaching sleep, in the meanwhile it adds omega-3s, vitamin E, and antioxidants like essential nutrients to your diet.
- Bananas, apples are nature’s candy a healthy alternative for satisfying that sweet cravings you get while studying.
Above all stay hydrated! Dehydration makes you sluggish, grumpy, and more likely to interpret a graph as a modern art piece. Keep a water bottle nearby or even better if you could go to the kitchen during the five-minute Pomodoro break (we discussed about this in the 1st tip, just in case you missed it) to drink a glass of water. This adds movement to your study session and along with that keeps you hydrated.
Tip no. 4: Study with a Buddy
Studying solo is like watching a movie with no dialogue, it’s just you, your thoughts, and the growing urge to nap.
But add another person? Suddenly, you’re accountable. With a friend by your side, you can’t just zone out or start snoring mid-sentence.
So, do grab a friend, form a study group, or even explain concepts out loud to your pet (even a doll would be fine, if your pet turnout to be even more distracting). Teaching someone, forces your brain to stay active and engaged.
Tip no. 5: Wanna know the Real Secret……Sleep More at Night!!!!
Here’s the plot twist, the best way to stay awake while studying is… to not be sleep-deprived.
I know, you would tell me “But I have 30 assignments due tomorrow!”. We’ve all been there. But pulling all-nighters consistently would sabotage the productivity of yours when it is most needed (especially during your lecture hours). It is like trying to run a car without any fuel.
So, sleep 7 to 9 hours daily. Think of sleep as fueling your body for its maximal function.
Finally, remember you’re not just fighting sleep. You’re training your brain to be sharper, stronger, and slightly more resistant to the gravitational pull of pillows.
Now go forth, study warrior. Implement these strategies and discover the transformative effect of those on your study session.
P.S. If all else fails, take a 20-minute power nap, then get back to your studies.
By: Rtr. Zainab Azar
Image credits:
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