How to Take a Test on No Sleep: Staying Alert & Doing Your Best

PDF download Download Article
Plus, find out whether cramming is really worth losing sleep over
PDF download Download Article

You've crammed all night for a test, but now you’re walking into class running on fumes. Can you still get a good grade? Absolutely! In this article, we’ll share the best strategies for staying awake during the test and answering tough problems on minimal sleep. We’ve also got tips on waking yourself up after just a few hours of sleep and getting into good sleep habits before an exam for the best results. Read on to ace your test!

Coping with No Sleep on Test Day: Quick Tips

Take a 20 or 30-minute nap if possible and review your notes right up until test time to help you recall the most information. Sit near a bright window or chew gum to help you stay awake. If you get drowsy, breathe in and out through your nose rapidly for 10 seconds for a boost. Read the questions extra carefully.

Section 1 of 5:

Staying Awake During the Test

PDF download Download Article
  1. Academic tutor and professional test prep specialist Jake Adams recommends a quick nap to help you feel more alert and remember all the details you studied for your test: “If possible, see if there's a possibility for a nap because naps have the ability to put you into your REM sleep cycle. Studies have shown that just entering your REM sleep cycle is helpful for reintegrating memory. So if that's possible, do that.” [1]
    • Aim for no longer than a 20- to 30-minute nap. Anything longer and you’ll probably end up feeling even groggier than before. [2]
    • You could try to take a nap on the bus ride to school, during a study hall, or during a break between classes.
  2. If possible, keep yourself cold temperature-wise. Dress down for the classroom you'll be in. Staying cold can keep you alert, so take off that sweater and put on a t-shirt. If you're too warm, you're more likely to get sleepy. There are even studies that show your brain works better when you’re a little chilly (it takes more energy and glucose to cool you down than to heat you up, so being cold gives your brain more energy). [3]
    Advertisement
  3. Just like light can wake you up, it can also help you stay more alert while you're taking your test. To help you get as much light as possible, try to sit by a window. You'll get light from both outside and inside, and the natural light can help keep you awake. [4]
  4. Chewing gum can help keep you awake and make you feel less sleepy. [5] Pop in some gum or another chewable treat during your exam to help you pay better attention (just chew quietly so you don't disturb any other test-takers).
  5. If you feel like you're having trouble concentrating, take a few seconds to refresh your brain. Just looking away can help some, but taking a few deep breaths is even better. Getting more oxygen to your brain can make you feel more alert. [6]
    • Try the “stimulating breath” technique. Close your mouth and breathe rapidly in and out through your nose for 10 seconds, then take a break and repeat. Keep your breaths short and quick.
  6. If your teacher will let you leave, take a quick bathroom break to stretch your legs. Splash some water on your face to give yourself a refresh. If you can, run outside to get a breath of fresh air and look at the sky or some trees, since nature can help wake you up. Even just walking around the halls can make you more alert. [7]
    7. Advertisement
Section 2 of 5:

Taking the Test on Minimal Sleep

PDF download Download Article
  1. A lack of sleep can impair your memory, so Adams suggests “refreshing your memory with your notes and indoor study guides right up until the test time. That way, you eliminate that memory loss that you are probably going to have because you didn't have very good sleep.” [8]
    • Keep your notecards, notebooks, study guides, or any other review materials handy so you can easily pull them out to review leading up to exam time.
  2. You're going to be very sleepy and tired, and that can cause you to miss things in the questions. Read each question thoroughly and check that you understand it completely before you answer. That way, you won't make careless mistakes. [9]
    • If you have to, try moving your lips as you read. Pretending to read out loud can slow you down enough that you pay more attention to the question.
  3. When you get your test, skim through it to see what’s on it. Your brain will be the most alert and ready at the beginning of the test, and you may wear out later. So, try to tackle the hardest or most important parts first so that you have enough brain power to get through them. [10]
    • Alternatively, work on the parts you know best first. That way, you can breeze through them without making mistakes. However, you may have a harder time when it comes to the parts you find more difficult.
  4. You may not have perfect recall when you're working on little sleep. To help, try writing down every relevant fact you can remember in a place you can easily reference, like a piece of scratch paper (this is called a “brain dump”). [11] Then, you can use your notes to help you answer tricky questions or recall information you may have forgotten.
    • Most teachers will at least give you partial credit if you get part of the answer right, so answer questions as completely as you can.
    • To take an educated guess from a choice of answers, start by crossing out the answers you know are wrong. If you can't figure out the answer, just pick one between the ones leftover.
  5. When you are tired, you're more likely to obsess over the questions you can't answer at all, trying to figure out the answer. Instead of obsessing, just skip the ones you don't know for now. If you have time at the end of the test, go back to the ones you skipped to see if you can figure out an answer. Often, other parts of the test can give you a clue. [12]
  6. Your handwriting may suffer if you've stayed up most of the night. Make sure you are writing clearly. You can't get credit for an answer that your teacher can't read, and if your handwriting isn't the most legible anyway, you'll need to pay special attention when you're tired. [13]
  7. If you have time at the end of class, go back over your test. Tiredness makes you careless, so look for silly mistakes. Read through each question and your answers to make sure you answered the whole question and that you didn't skip a part or misinterpret it. [14]
    • You probably don't need to change an answer if you read the question correctly. Your gut instinct is usually best.
  8. When you're tired, a test can seem overwhelming with all the answers you have to give. The key is to calm yourself down. Take a few deep breaths to make sure you're calm, and then just take it one question at a time. [15]
    • Reader Poll: We asked 301 wikiHow readers how they manage their time during tests, and only 13% of them said keeping an eye on the clock to pace themselves. [Take Poll] It’s good to know how much time you have left, but watching the clock constantly can just make you more stressed!
    9. Advertisement
Section 3 of 5:

Waking Up after Minimal Sleep

PDF download Download Article
  1. You want to get as much sleep as you can. However, you don't want to extend your sleep by hitting the snooze button, as that can just make you more tired. Instead, think about the latest time you could get up and still get to your exam. Set your alarm for that time. [16]
    • Put your alarm clock or phone out of reach, so that you don't hit snooze without thinking about it.
  2. Sunlight can help you wake up and feel more alert. The key is to be outside within about an hour of waking up. It's important to skip the sunglasses, at least at first. The sunlight needs to hit your eyes for you to receive the waking up benefits of being outside. [17]
    • Try going for a short walk or sitting near a bright window to get a dose of sunlight before your exam.
    • Sunlight increases your serotonin levels, which can make you feel more positive and alert throughout the day.
  3. Staying hydrated can help you feel more awake. Not having enough water will make you more tired and fatigued, so drink some water before going into your exam. [18] As a side note, don't forget to hit the bathroom before the exam, so you're not having to go while you're taking it.
    • Cold water will wake you up more, so stick to ice water or a bottle of water from the refrigerator.
  4. You can't think your best on an empty stomach, so you need to eat before you go to your test. Don't eat anything too heavy, as it can make you sleepy. Pick something that centers on protein with some energizing carbohydrates on the side for a boost. Carbohydrates keep you energized. [19]
    • Try some yogurt with fruit, for instance, or a few links of chicken sausage and whole grain toast.
    • You could also try some hummus with carrot sticks. If you're pressed for time, try a protein bar or shake.
  5. If you choose to drink caffeine to give you a boost, make sure to do it about 30 minutes before the test so it has time to kick in by the time you take the test. Caffeine will usually only give you a boost if you don't drink it every day, so use it sparingly. [20]
    • If you have the time and a quiet space, you can also drink a cup of coffee and take a 15-minute power nap. When you wake up, the caffeine will start to hit you and you’ll feel refreshed.
    • Keep your caffeine consumption under 400 milligrams for the day. A single cup of coffee has about 100 milligrams. [21]
  6. The steady stream of water in a shower can make you feel more awake and alert before your exam. [22] If you’re feeling extra drowsy, try alternating hot and cold water to increase your alertness after you're done cleaning off:
    • Turn the shower all the way to cold for about 30 seconds, then turn it back to (comfortably) hot for 30 seconds. Then, turn it back to cold for another 30 seconds. The process of turning it hot and cold will make you much more awake.
  7. To help you wake up for your exam, do some light exercising right before. Getting your blood flowing helps you be more alert and ready to do your best. You don't need to run a marathon. Just spend 5 to 10 minutes walking briskly, doing some jumping jacks, or jogging in place. [23]
    8. Advertisement
Section 4 of 5:

Should you prioritize sleep or studying before a test?

PDF download Download Article
  1. Studies show that getting more sleep the night before a test is positively correlated to the number of correct answers on a test (AKA, a higher grade). [24] On the other hand, pulling an all-nighter or only getting a few hours of sleep is associated with worse concentration, reaction time, and decision making (AKA, things that can pull your grade down). [25]
    • The fact is, getting a good night's sleep is one of the best things you can do to prepare for a test.
    • What’s the bare minimum amount of sleep you need? Most people need a minimum of 3 hours of sleep to be (mostly) functional the next day. The best time to get those few hours is between 2AM and 6AM. [26]
    • Keep in mind that if you just plain don’t know the test material, sleep won’t necessarily help you get a better score. You can’t remember what you didn’t know to begin with, after all.
  2. Some studies show that consistent sleep deprivation is similar to being intoxicated—it can lead to forgetfulness, fuzzy thinking, or irritability, and can even age your brain by 3 to 5 years! Physically, being sleep-deprived can increase your chances of catching a cold or gaining weight, raise your blood pressure over time, and make you more susceptible to certain diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and some kinds of cancer. [27]
    • To get back on a normal sleep schedule, try not to nap past the mid-afternoon and use some of the tactics above to stay awake until bedtime. You can't make up for all the sleep you lost, but resetting your sleep schedule ASAP will help you recover.
    • How much sleep do you need? Adults and older college students need at least 7 hours of sleep per night, while teenagers need 8 to 10 hours. [28]
    • Did you know? Over 80% of college students attribute poor grades to a lack of sleep, and more than 70% get less than 8 hours of sleep per day. [29]
    3. Advertisement
Quiz

wikiHow Quiz: Why Can't I Sleep?

Whether your environment, your habits, or something else entirely is affecting your sleep, we’ve designed this quiz to pinpoint the source of your sleep deprivation. We’ve even included research-backed tips tailored to your situation. By the end of this quiz, you’ll be on the road to a healthier sleep schedule!
1 of 12

Which of the following best describes your nighttime routine?

Section 5 of 5:

Getting Good Sleep Before Exams

PDF download Download Article
  1. Getting quality sleep is one of the best things you can do to prep for a test. Here are the most important things you can do to walk into class well-rested and prepared: [30]
    • Start a good sleep routine several days (or weeks) ahead of the test. This will help you fall asleep easier the night before and cope with a lack of sleep if you pull an all-nighter. This includes going to bed and waking up at the same time each day.
    • Limit your alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine consumption during the day.
    • Avoid large meals or super hearty snacks 2 hours before bed time. Choose a light, healthy snack if you’re hungry.
    • Try to get some physical activity (preferably outdoors) each day.
    • Keep your bedroom dark, cool, and quiet.
    • Ignore electronics and screens (phones, laptops, tablets, TVs) 1 hour before bed and try not to keep them in your bedroom.
  2. Follow these tips if your test (or just the fact that you can’t sleep) are making you too anxious to sleep well:
    • Make a to-do list for the following day. This way, you’re less likely to keep fixating on what you have to do tomorrow. [31]
    • Set aside some specific “worry” time before bed. Choose a time to let yourself feel anxious and stress out for a few minutes, then take a deep breath and try to set those thoughts aside at bedtime.
    • Talk back to your negative thoughts. If you’re thinking “I’ll fail my test because I can’t sleep” over and over, try countering with a positive thought like “I am prepared for the test and ready to do my best.”
    • Try some meditation or mindfulness work. Get comfortable and just let your thoughts (good or bad) flow without judgment. Try journaling to release negative thoughts.
    • Don’t try to force yourself to sleep. If you’re still wide awake after 15 minutes, get up and do something outside your bedroom to relax. Then, come back when you’re sleepy again. This keeps you from just laying in bed feeling frustrated. [32]
    3. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    How can I do well in exams with little sleep?
    Jake Adams
    Academic Tutor & Test Prep Specialist
    Jake Adams is an academic tutor and the owner of Simplifi EDU, a Santa Monica, California based online tutoring business offering learning resources and online tutors for academic subjects K-College, SAT & ACT prep, and college admissions applications. With over 14 years of professional tutoring experience, Jake is dedicated to providing his clients the very best online tutoring experience and access to a network of excellent undergraduate and graduate-level tutors from top colleges all over the nation. Jake holds a BS in International Business and Marketing from Pepperdine University.
    Jake Adams
    Academic Tutor & Test Prep Specialist
    Expert Answer
    If at all possible, take a nap. You can get into a REM sleep cycle with one, which can help reintegrate your memory. Also, keep refreshing your memory with notes, study guides, or other study materials right up until the exam. This repeated, fresh information can help compensate for anything you might have otherwise forgotten because of lack of sleep.
    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
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 5
  • Question
    What if I can't have coffee?
    Community Answer
    Try putting cold water on your face. This will make you feel fresh. Also, try staying active - don't stay slumped around for long periods of time. When you do take your test, do little things to keep you alert, like kicking your legs (do this lightly so it goes unnoticed), so that you stay active.
    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
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 8 Helpful 24
  • Question
    What if I fall asleep during my exam?
    Community Answer
    Drink lots of water and eat a protein bar. Hype yourself up, or have something sugary, and soldier through it.
    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
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 6 Helpful 20
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      Warnings

      • Don't attempt to drive while sleep deprived. You risk your own safety, as well as the safety of the other drivers on the road.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      10+ Proven Tips to Help You Ace a Test
      How to
      Stay Calm During a Test
      How to
      Stay Awake at Work
      How to
      Not Fall Asleep in Class
      How to
      Stay Awake on a Long Car Ride
      How to
      Pass an Exam Without Studying
      How to
      Get a 100% on a Test
      How to
      Pass Final Exams
      How to
      Calculate a Test Grade
      How to
      Get Higher Marks in Exams
      How to
      Take an Open Note Test: Preparation Tips & More
      17 Powerful Duas for Exams That Can Help You Ace the Test
      How to
      Check Your ASVAB Score
      How to
      Pass an Abstract Reasoning Test
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ Jake Adams. Academic Tutor & Test Prep Specialist. Expert Interview. 24 July 2020.
      2. ↑ https://www.sleepfoundation.org/napping
      3. ↑ https://time.com/136/how-the-cold-makes-us-smarter/
      4. ↑ https://www.betterup.com/blog/sunlight-in-the-morning
      5. ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11382890/
      6. ↑ https://www.nm.org/healthbeat/healthy-tips/caffeine-free-strategies-to-stay-energized
      7. ↑ https://www.nm.org/healthbeat/healthy-tips/caffeine-free-strategies-to-stay-energized
      8. ↑ Jake Adams. Academic Tutor & Test Prep Specialist. Expert Interview. 20 May 2020.
      9. ↑ https://www.testtakingtips.com/test/gentest.htm
      1. ↑ https://www.insightsforprofessionals.com/management/leadership/how-to-be-productive-when-sleep-deprived
      2. ↑ https://summer.harvard.edu/blog/14-tips-for-test-taking-success/
      3. ↑ https://www.testtakingtips.com/test/gentest.htm
      4. ↑ https://www.testtakingtips.com/test/gentest.htm
      5. ↑ https://www.testtakingtips.com/test/gentest.htm
      6. ↑ https://www.testtakingtips.com/test/gentest.htm
      7. ↑ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6710480/
      8. ↑ https://www.betterup.com/blog/sunlight-in-the-morning
      9. ↑ https://www.nm.org/healthbeat/healthy-tips/caffeine-free-strategies-to-stay-energized
      10. ↑ https://people.tamu.edu/~kahlig/help/cramming.html
      11. ↑ https://www.cnbc.com/2018/08/29/googlers-found-a-better-way-to-drink-coffee-for-productivity.html
      12. ↑ https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/spilling-beans-how-much-caffeine-too-much
      13. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/evening-vs-morning-shower
      14. ↑ https://www.nm.org/healthbeat/healthy-tips/caffeine-free-strategies-to-stay-energized
      15. ↑ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7946303/
      16. ↑ https://people.tamu.edu/~kahlig/help/cramming.html
      17. ↑ https://people.tamu.edu/~kahlig/help/cramming.html
      18. ↑ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-effects-of-sleep-deprivation
      19. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/expert-answers/how-many-hours-of-sleep-are-enough/faq-20057898
      20. ↑ https://admissions.usf.edu/blog/the-importance-of-sleep-for-college-students
      21. ↑ https://corporatetraining.usf.edu/blog/tips-for-sleeping-better-before-an-exam
      22. ↑ https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/blog/four-tips-if-you-can-t-sleep-because-of-academic-stress/
      23. ↑ https://www.mielenterveystalo.fi/en/self-help/self-help-program-insomnia/11-15-minute-rule-sos

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      While taking a test on minimal sleep is never ideal, sometimes it’s necessary to get all of your studying done. Sunlight can help wake you up and feel more alert, so try to get outside within an hour of waking up. Staying hydrated can also help you feel more awake, so drink some water before going in to your test. Another way to wake up more fully is to eat a light, protein-packed meal, like yogurt and fruit or a protein bar. If you decide to drink some caffeine to give you a boost, do it about 30 minutes before your test so it has time to kick in. Once you’re in the exam, dress in lighter-weight clothes since you’re more likely to get sleepy if you’re warm. You can also try chewing gum to keep you more alert during your test. To learn how to organize your thoughts when you take a test on minimal sleep, keep reading!

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 205,951 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Prateek Singh

        Dec 7, 2017

        "This article is awesome, like almost all of wikiHow articles are. I hadn't slept the entire night before exam, ..." more
      More reader stories Hide reader stories
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement