How to Not Fall Asleep While Studying: 16 Tips for Focus & Energy

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What to do if you can’t stay awake while you study
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Studying is hard work, and all that work often makes you tired! While you should always prioritize your health and rest, sometimes studying through your fatigue is part of the road to success and getting good grades in school. Fortunately, there are things you can do to help increase your energy and focus, and we talked to sleep medicine and psychiatry professional Alex Dimitriu, MD, to help fill you in on all the best ways to stay awake and alert while you study.

How to Avoid Sleep While Studying

Sleep medicine and psychiatry professional Alex Dimitriu, MD, recommends turning on some bright lights and listening to music to stay alert. Some other ways to stay awake while studying include the following:

  • Study somewhere that’s not too comfortable, like in an upright chair, and stay away from your bedroom, which makes you sleepier.
  • Eat nutrient-rich foods like nuts, fruits, meats, or protein bars to give yourself plenty of energy. Avoid sugary drinks or snacks.
  • Take frequent breaks every 20-30 minutes, and switch topics after each break to give your brain some much-needed variety.
1

Study somewhere that’s not too comfortable.

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  1. Research shows that cool temps make you sleepy, so find somewhere a little on the warmer side. [1] Study in a hard chair at a desk and sit up straight, rather than leaning up against some pillows in your bed or nestled up under a blanket on the couch. You don’t have to make yourself totally uncomfortable, but just avoid getting too cozy while you study.
    • If you like to study at home, make yourself a dedicated study space . This could be a corner of your room with a desk and a chair, or a kitchen table. Wherever you can concentrate without being too comfortable is great!
    • Studying in a study hall or classroom? See what fellow readers recommend on the wikiHow forum post , "I keep falling asleep in class!! How do you stay awake?"

    Meet the wikiHow Expert

    Alex Dimitriu, MD , is the owner of Menlo Park Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine, a clinic based in the San Francisco Bay Area with expertise in psychiatry, sleep, and transformational therapy.

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2

Change your study spot every day to boost your memory.

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  1. Switching things up is key to staying alert. [2] Rather than always studying in the same place, mix it up every time to improve your concentration and help your brain remember information better. For instance, one day, study at a coffee shop, then the next day, study at home in the kitchen. Or, if you’re getting drowsy during a study sesh, pack your things and head somewhere else. The movement will also help wake you up.
    • Choose locations that fit your studying style and personality. For example, if you study best in silence, pick a library or quiet room, whereas if you prefer background noise, opt for a cafe or common area.
3

Turn on bright lights if you’re studying late at night.

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  1. Dimitriu tells us that bright lights are a great way to force your brain awake. [3] Rather than reading by a dim lamp or in a dark room, which can make you cozy and sleepy, brighten up your study area to trick your brain into thinking it’s still daytime, making it feel more energized. Turn on as many lights as possible in the room, including overhead lights and lamps. [4]
    • If your space doesn’t have much lighting, relocate to a brighter area, if possible.
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4

Eliminate distractions if you can’t concentrate.

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  1. Sometimes, pesky distractions like roommates, friends, TV, or your phone can drain your energy when you should be using that energy to study. Screens especially can cause eye strain and fatigue. [5] Figure out what’s preventing you from being able to focus, whether it’s the Instagram alerts on your phone or the people talking at the table next to you. Then, eliminate those distractions so your brain isn’t distracted from studying. For instance, put your phone on silent or move to a quieter area.
    • Or, turn your phone off, leave it in a different room, or put it on “Do Not Disturb” mode, so you don’t receive any texts or notifications.
    • If you’re easily distracted by surfing the Internet, use an app or Internet browser extension that lets you set controls to block certain websites for a set period of time so you aren’t tempted.
5

Listen to upbeat music to keep your brain alert.

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  1. Dimitriu warns us that boredom leads to sleepiness. [6] Turn on the radio or play music from your phone or computer while you study to keep you entertained and alert, but not distracted. Choose songs that are fast-paced or lively, like pop or dance music, rather than slow, sad songs, which will bring down your mood and energy. [7] Also, choose new or unfamiliar music to help engage your brain, since familiar music can fade to the background too easily.
    • If you’re in a public place, use headphones to listen to the music of your choice.
    • Look for upbeat playlists online or on a music app. Many streaming services also have pre-made studying playlists for students.
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6

Read out loud to engage your brain.

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  1. It doesn’t matter whether you’re reading a chapter of a textbook or studying your notes. Read the material out loud to help yourself memorize it without getting drowsy. [8] When you’re just reading in your head, it’s a little too easy to stop paying attention and let your thoughts drift. But reading aloud focuses your brain on the info by also bringing your voice into the equation.
    • If you don’t want to read everything out loud, instead, try talking to yourself when you study. For example, when you finish studying a topic, say out loud: “Okay, I finished studying for my history test, now I can study for the English exam!” [9]
7

Chew gum while you study.

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  1. Research shows that chomping on a piece of gum while you study increases blood flow to your brain and ups your mental arousal. [10] A fresh, minty flavor that perks you up is best, but choose whatever flavor you like most.
    • Keep a pack of mint-flavored gum in your backpack or pencil case so you always have it with you when you’re studying.
    • If you don’t like gum, reach for something chewy, like carrots, gummies, jerky, or dried fruits.
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8

Eat high-protein foods for energy.

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  1. Snack on foods that are primarily composed of protein, like nuts, meat, or cheese, which fuel your body longer because they aren’t as easily digested as carbs. [11] For example, choose trail mix, beef jerky, or string cheese to eat while you work. [12]
    • Avoid sugary foods or drinks, like cookies or soda, along with carb-heavy foods, like potato chips. These might give you a quick boost, but you’ll crash later on.
    • Try to eat every 2 to 3 hours, even if it’s just something small, to avoid low blood sugar, which makes you feel sleepy.
9

Drink water to fight fatigue.

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  1. Aim to drink at least 2 L (8.5  c) of water a day to stay hydrated . Keep a full bottle of water with you and sip on it as you study. This helps the blood flow in your brain and makes you feel more alert. Also, drink a glass of water when you first wake up to prime your brain for a study session later on. [13]
    • Avoid alcohol, particularly on days when you're studying or the day before. Drinking alcohol regularly can negatively affect your brain function, along with dehydrating you. [14]
    • Reader Poll: We asked 121 wikiHow readers how they like to stay hydrated during the day, and 68% of them shared that they always carry a water bottle with them. [Take Poll] So, carrying a water bottle may help you to stay hydrated and energized during your study sesh!
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10

Have a little caffeine for a quick boost.

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  1. While you shouldn’t rely on caffeine to pull you through every day, a little can go a long way. Drink a mug of coffee to wake yourself up quickly, as caffeine prevents the cells that make you feel tired from reaching your brain. Have the equivalent of 200 mg of caffeine, which is 12 oz (.35 L) of coffee or 24 oz (.7 L) of tea, for example, over the course of 24 hours. Don’t have more than 400 mg per day, though, which can mess up your sleep schedule and even cause heart problems. [15]
    • Be aware that coffee and other caffeinated drinks can actually be dehydrating, so you should drink water with them, too.
    • Avoid drinking coffee or consuming anything with caffeine, like chocolate, soda, or tea, within 6 hours of when you plan to go to bed, or you may have trouble falling asleep.
11

Study in short bursts.

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  1. Avoid long study sessions, which can cause fatigue. Instead, try a balance of studying and taking breaks. For example, use the Pomodoro technique: Set a timer to work without any distractions for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. Repeat those intervals for however long you’d like to study. [16]
    • Use your 5-minute breaks to relax and recharge your brain. Do something unrelated to what you’re studying, like stretching out your body or watching a funny YouTube video.
    • Get outside and soak up some sun to get that sweet, sweet vitamin D, which helps brain function. [17] Or, take a 20-minute meditation break to rest your mind.
    • Try to keep each total study session to no more than 5 hours long. If you study for longer than that, you’ll likely get burnt out.
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12

Take a 10- to 20-minute nap if you’re really tired.

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  1. Dimitriu says that a power nap is an effective way to stay alert. [18] Lie down on the couch or get into bed if you’re at home for a quick power nap . If you’re at the library or in a classroom, rest your head on the desk in a comfortable position to doze. Set your alarm for no more than 10-15 minutes later so you wake up feeling refreshed instead of drowsy. [19]
    • If possible, choose a spot that’s quiet and dark to take your nap, which will help you get better quality sleep.
    • Make sure you're getting at least 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night, too. Naps are a good boost, but they aren't a substitute for uninterrupted sleep.
13

Exercise for 15 to 20 minutes to wake up.

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  1. Jog , do some push-ups or bodyweight exercises, or take a quick yoga class on YouTube, for example. [20] Move your body to wake up all of your muscles and release proteins in your brain that improve your memory . [21]
    • If you can, do your exercise outside for even more benefits. Fresh air is an instant energy boost.
    • Find ways to incorporate exercise into your studying. For instance, swap your chair for a stability ball to work your core while you sit, or do stretches at your desk while you read.
    • If you’re studying in intervals, try taking an exercise break after each one. For example, after studying for 25 minutes, do 5 minutes of bodyweight exercises like pushups and jumping jacks.
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14

Switch topics every 30-60 minutes.

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  1. Instead of doing a marathon study session of 1 topic, break your study time up and change the topic after each break so you don't burn out on 1 subject. Research shows that mixing up monotonous tasks helps your brain find them more interesting. [22] For example, study calculus for the first hour, then switch to physics.
    • If you’re studying in timed intervals, switch the topic you’re studying after each interval.
    • If you're only studying for 1 class, like English, change the specific material you're reviewing, if possible. For instance, start with Shakespeare, then move to Chaucer.
15

Organize a study group.

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  1. It’s hard to fall asleep when you’re hanging out with fun people. [23] Get some friends or classmates together to study as a group . Work on practice problems out loud, discuss different topics, or quiz each other to make studying more lively and engaging. [24]
    • Keep your study group to just 3 to 6 people. Too many people can become distracting or difficult to manage.
    • Stay on task by setting group goals for each study session, like finishing 2 chapters of a textbook or covering 1 topic. Otherwise, it may be tempting to just waste time talking or goofing off.
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16

Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep every night.

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  1. Pick a bedtime that allows you to sleep for 8-10 hours every night. Also, try to stick to the same sleep schedule every night, so your brain is sleepy at the same time every night. Sometimes, getting more sleep is the best way to sleep less when you don’t want to!
    • Even if you can’t get that much sleep each night, the most important thing is to be consistent with your sleep. If you feel good with 6 hours of sleep a night or need up to 9, that’s fine too.

Supercharge Your Studying with this Expert Series

Do you want to make your studying more efficient, learn more quickly, and remember more information? Check out these expert articles.
1
Study For Exams
2
Study So You Can Remember Everything
3
11 Simple Tips to Create the Ideal Study Space
4
Create Good Study Habits for Exams
5
Learn Without Forgetting
6
Retain Information when You Study for a Test

Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How do I enjoy studying?
    Jennifer Kaifesh
    Founder, Great Expectations College Prep
    Jennifer Kaifesh is the Founder of Great Expectations College Prep, a tutoring and counseling service based in Southern California. Jennifer has over 15 years of experience managing and facilitating academic tutoring and standardized test prep as it relates to the college application process. She takes a personal approach to her tutoring, and focuses on working with students to find their specific mix of pursuits that they both enjoy and excel at. She is a graduate of Northwestern University.
    Jennifer Kaifesh
    Founder, Great Expectations College Prep
    Expert Answer
    You can also use healthy snacks as motivation for studying. For example, reward yourself with a snack after staying awake and studying for 30 minutes.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    Not Helpful 78 Helpful 116
  • Question
    How long is it recommended to study without breaks?
    Community Answer
    You should take a 5-10 minute break every 45 minutes to an hour. Try to notice when your attention starts to wane and you should be able to develop a system that makes sense for you.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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    Not Helpful 29 Helpful 88
  • Question
    What can I do, when I don't have the substance you mentioned like, caffeine and mint gum, because I am in a boarding school?
    Raphy Hong
    Community Answer
    You can use other types of ways to help you stay awake, like study groups, music, or exercising. And wash your face with cold water when your eyes start to shut, drink cold water and suck ice cubes. Apples can help you to stay awake too.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-is-the-ideal-sleeping-temperature-for-my-bedroom
      2. ↑ https://www.salemhealth.org/services/sleep/how-to-stay-awake-naturally
      3. ↑ Alex Dimitriu, MD. Sleep Medicine & Psychiatry Professional. Expert Interview
      4. ↑ https://www.aiuniv.edu/blog/2016/may/stay-energized-for-late-night-studying
      5. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-stay-awake-without-caffeine
      6. ↑ Alex Dimitriu, MD. Sleep Medicine & Psychiatry Professional. Expert Interview
      7. ↑ https://www.sleepfoundation.org/noise-and-sleep/music
      8. ↑ https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20200917-the-surprising-power-of-reading-aloud
      9. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-stay-awake-without-caffeine
      1. ↑ https://sites.psu.edu/siowfa15/2015/09/17/does-chewing-gum-while-studying-help-you-remember/
      2. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-stay-awake-without-caffeine
      3. ↑ https://www.aiuniv.edu/blog/2016/may/stay-energized-for-late-night-studying
      4. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-stay-awake-without-caffeine
      5. ↑ https://www.sleepfoundation.org/school-and-sleep/final-exams-and-sleep
      6. ↑ https://www.sleepfoundation.org/school-and-sleep/final-exams-and-sleep
      7. ↑ https://learningcommons.ubc.ca/the-pomodoro-technique-study-more-efficiently-take-more-breaks/
      8. ↑ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6132681/
      9. ↑ Alex Dimitriu, MD. Sleep Medicine & Psychiatry Professional. Expert Interview
      10. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-stay-awake-without-caffeine
      11. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-stay-awake-without-caffeine
      12. ↑ https://www.auamed.org/blog/12-ways-exercise-study/
      13. ↑ https://www.salemhealth.org/services/sleep/how-to-stay-awake-naturally
      14. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-stay-awake-without-caffeine
      15. ↑ https://www.rasmussen.edu/student-experience/college-life/how-to-organize-use-study-groups/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To stay awake while studying, chew some gum since it will increase blood flow to your brain and give you a boost of energy. If you’re snacking while studying, eat high-protein foods that provide lasting energy like trail mix, beef jerky, or string cheese rather than sugary foods that will make you crash. Since staying hydrated can help you fight off tiredness, drink at least 8 ounces of water every 1 to 2 hours. Exercise is another great way to get reenergized, so take a break and go for a short walk to wake up your muscles and get your blood flowing. If possible, walk outside since fresh air is a great energy booster. When choosing where to study, pick somewhere with lots of lighting so you don’t get drowsy working in a dim room. For more tips, including how to study in intervals to stay alert, read on!

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