How do you stay alert and focused at night when you have a night class, and studies to do?

Question

I used to be a night owl, now I'm a morning/afternoon person. I am fully alert and focused in late morning and early mid afternoons.

So if I study late afternoons to evening or in a lecture class at night, my thoughts seem to sway somewhere else and I'm not as focused. Any suggestions? Is caffeine the answer?

Answer 1

Schedule your studying. If you can study in the AM or afternoon, go for it. When I had academic courses in the evening hours, I would nap in the afternoon (set the alarm!) and then get dinner, then off to class. I usually planned for electives as evening classes to break up the week. Caffeine isn't everyone's answer.

Answer 2

My college summer sessions were at night. What I did in addition to caffeine, was to do jumping jacks and other minor exercises. This got my blood and adrenaline all pumped. I felt more alive and clear headed during those times when I should have been home watching the boob-tube.

In class I was all flushed and answering all the teacher's questions first--generally being the class nerd. But if you do the exercises don't get your self exhausted as you will be tired brain-wise. Oh, and take deep breaths before those night classes.

Answer 3

Caffeine helps but don't drink too much or you won't be able to sleep later. It also helps if your night class is interesting, good subject, good professor. If you get a break for dinner, don't eat anything heavy or you'll be feeling sleepy. If you are studying late, make sure you don't sit on the couch or in a comfy chair. Try sitting at the kitchen or diningroom table.

Answer 4

Caffine may help you to be more alert, but will not help and may even make focusing more difficult. Take notes in class even if you don't think you will need them. It will help to keep you focused on what the professor is saying. The best thing you can do is to schedule your classes for the times when you will be most focused.

This sounds strange, but I play a radio in the background to block out distracting noises. It helps me to focus on what I am doing.

Answer 5

I'd suggest taking a nap if possible. Even 20 minutes is enough to refresh you.

Your brain needs protein rich food to keep functioning too so have protein rich foods and don't go for turkey as it puts you to sleep! :~) I wouldn't go too strong on the caffeine as ti will keep you up much later than you would like.

Answer 6

Yes

Answer 7

You have to re-program your sleep cycle so start changing the time that you sleep because caffiene is only a temporary solution

Answer 8

take it slow and get plenty of rest. if your sleepy don't force yourself to stay awake it will be harder to keep awake if you do. go to bed around the same time, wake up around same time....get your sleep on schedule.