Is it better to study or revise during the night or sometime during the day? Does it matter?
Most people think they know when the best time to study is, but in reality, each person is different and scientifically, there is no clear winner in the debate. Some people get more from studying at night – while for others, the morning or the afternoon may bring the best results.
Let us think of the benefits of studying at different times. It may be said that studying at night offers you relative silence and less distraction. It is true that things look different by night. The night time can increase your creative efficacy and help you see concepts differently.
In contrast, during daytime study, you may have more energy, unaffected by the fatigue that mounts throughout busier daytime hours. In the early morning, you have a higher ability to concentrate – before the general activities of the day begin. Normal society is active during the day and sleeping at night, so by sticking to this, there are benefits – such as being able to access the library or a book shop.
It seems that objectively, there really is no agreed ‘best time to study‘. It can depend on your personality, your resources, adaptability, time management and your natural sleep cycle.
However, here are tips that may be useful in deciding when to study.
1. Keep to a routine of timing. This way, you will get accustomed to it and you can get the best study performance possible. In contrast, if you study at random times of day and night, you may become tired and disorientated.
2. Get enough sleep. If you decide to study at night, this does not mean you should be sleeping less. A well-rested mind is essential to successful studying habits.
4. Consider time management. It can be easy to lose track of time. This makes it even more important to stick to a study timetable. Experts recommend that you take a 5 to 10 minute break every 50 minutes or so when studying. Get up and move around, stretching your legs and focusing on distant objects to rest your eyes. Also make sure you keep hydrated! That means water, preferably – and do not overdo the junk food.
5. Music. Many people believe that they study better while listening to music that inspires and motivates them. If you try this, it is best to listen to music without distracting lyrics, and also that does not get your foot tapping. It should be in the background and not stealing your attention.
6. Questions. If you like to study on your own, but usually have a lot of questions, you should study in the late morning or early afternoon. This is when all the professors, tutors, and experts in your life are awake and more available to respond to your questions. With distance learning, be aware of any time zone differences.
7. Calm routine. For many people, studying is a calming and almost meditative activity – part of that all-important ‘me-time’. If that is the way you approach studying, then your ideal time to study is at night. Find somewhere quiet and cosy to study with a light snack, and it could become a great way to unwind after a busy day.
With a self paced ADL course, you can set your own study schedule.
