We all know sleep is important but did you know on top of the recovering of strength and energy, sleep can actually help you learn better?
This is because during sleep, the things you’ve recently studied get incorporated into your long-term memory, which makes it easier for you to recall the information at a later date.
Whilst you sleep, you are not interrupted by any other information, tasks and distractions.
In order to not diminish any of these amazing effects that sleep has on learning, it’s really important not to stay awake all night long studying or to stay up late after you’ve finished studying in the evening.
Getting a good evening routine in place for sleep is the best way you can let your brain work its magic.
Sleep hygiene is all about putting a routine in place to ensure you have a relaxing evening and a good night’s sleep. Why not incorporate some of these tips into your evening?
- If you’ve made a study plan, try and stick with it – don’t add revision sessions too late in the evening as this can be counter-productive.
- Plan with your friends to not be online, especially around exam season – that way you won’t get FOMO.
- If showering wakes you up, maybe save it for the morning, but if you find it relaxes you and helps you wind down, then it can be a great way to switch off and can be used to your advantage in the evening.
- Keep your phone out of the bedroom, use an old fashioned alarm to wake you up in the morning. Banning all screen time for an hour before bedtime helps your brain start to relax and prepare for sleep.
- Have a bath before bed. Don’t eat too late. Make sure your bedroom is quiet, dark and cool.
- Do not eat/drink caffeine for at least 8 hours before bedtime.
The best thing you can do to improve learning is improve your sleep. Remember, poor sleep is not cured overnight (excuse the pun!) – sometimes it takes some brain (re)training to get back into good habits.
Routines aren’t set overnight but if you start putting steps in place now by time your exams (and mock exams) come around you will have created many good habits.
We offer dedicated Revision Support and Advice as part of our Personal Tutor System.