Dozing Off in Class? Here are Some Tips to Stay Awake

Boston — We've all dozed off in class a couple of times. It's hard not to, especially if the subject matter is boring, you stayed up late the night before or you're just plain tired. 

Falling asleep in class can result in a variety of issues, including lowered grades and the possibility of getting in trouble!

Making certain lifestyle changes to promote sleep during and after school will assist you in remaining alert. Fortunately, there are several ways to stay awake in class (aside from going to bed on time), and we want to share them with you as summer is ending and school is starting.

Stay hydrated

Water is a vital part of our lives and influences how we interact on a daily basis. If you find yourself nodding off at any point, it could mean you're dehydrated. It never hurts to drink water in response.

Move your body

If you're struggling to keep your eyes open, get up and move around. You should not interpret this as causing a disruption in class, but rather quietly excuse yourself to use the restroom. 

Restrooms are there to not only serve bathroom needs, but also to be a space to refresh. Moving around will drive your sleepiness away and get some energy flowing through your body.

Eat a peppermint

This is an old hack to increase focus, but it has been proven that the icy cool flavor of mints contributes to enhanced memory, increased alertness and increased processing speeds. Next time you head to class, whether it’s an exam day or a day where you feel major exhaustion, make sure you have a bunch of mints on hand to get you through the day.

Assess your diet

If you don't eat enough leafy greens and fresh fruit, you're more likely to fall asleep in class. Consider incorporating them into your overall diet for better results and less fatigue.

Having portable and easy-to-carry healthy snacks like applesauce, veggie straws, and assorted nuts on hand throughout the day can help you avoid hunger while also giving you something to munch on to keep you awake.

Become an active student

Your personality often matches the type of student you are. If you're naturally shy, you might be reluctant to speak up in class to ask or answer questions. If this is the case, consider sitting near the front of the class and close to the teacher to hold yourself accountable for staying awake.

If you are a bit more outgoing or if you simply feel comfortable to do so, participate in class discussions. Collective student engagement and collaboration is a sure way to stay awake. 

Try to create sleep schedule

Sleep provides our bodies with the rest they require to prepare for the next day. Our bodies require long periods of sleep in order to grow, repair and rejuvenate. 

When you sleep, your brain sorts and stores information, solves problems, and replaces chemicals. Fatigue in class can make your workday less productive and enjoyable.

It's understandable that not everyone follows the same sleep schedule. Take the time to experiment and discover what works best for you. 

Trinity Alicia (she/her/hers) is a Boston-based journalist. Follow her on Twitter: @trinityaliciaa

Edited by NaTyshca Pickett