There is nothing better than having a good night's sleep鈥 well, maybe devouring a big bowl of chocolate ice cream! But when it comes to studying there really is nothing better than getting some shut-eye to consolidate what we've learned into our long term memory. Chocolate ice cream can't do that!
In this video, learning scientist Dr Carolina Kuepper-Tetzel answers questions about why sleep is so important and how it can help us with our learning. If our video doesn't send you to the land of nod and you're still eager to discover more ways to improve your sleep, then check out our highlights below.
Get 40 winks
Your parents have probably told you about the benefits of a good night鈥檚 sleep a million times, and we don't blame you if you're just a tiny bit sus. But we've asked Dr Carolina who can confirm that a good night's sleep really is important, be sus no more.
As well as helping you regain 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 later on. Whilst you sleep, you are not interrupted by any other information, tasks and distractions. Because of the amazing effect that sleep has on learning, it鈥檚 really important not to stay awake all night long studying or to stay up late after you've finished studying in the evening. It's much better to get a good evening routine in place, sleep and let your brain work it's magic. Check out our tips below for creating a relaxing evening routine.
Sleep hygiene
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 our tips into your evening?
- If you've made a study plan, try and stick with it 鈥 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 forget about the rest of the world.
So now you've mastered a couple of effective study techniques to help with your schoolwork, you can combine these with other techniques from the pages below to help you on your way to becoming a study-superstar!
If you need support
You should always tell someone about the things you鈥檙e worried about. You can tell a friend, parent, guardian, teacher, or another trusted adult. If you're struggling with your mental health, going to your GP can be a good place to start to find help. Your GP can let you know what support is available to you, suggest different types of treatment and offer regular check-ups to see how you鈥檙e doing.
If you鈥檙e in need of in-the-moment support you can contact , where you can speak to a counsellor. Their lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
There are more links to helpful organisations on 大象传媒 Action Line.
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