Picture this: you're sitting in a two-hour lecture, your eyes are heavy, your brain is foggy, and your mind is dozing off. You're struggling to stay awake in class, but of course you don't want to nod off and miss a section of the lecture — or worse, get caught by the professor. If this scene feels a little too real for you, then you know how hard it can be to stay awake in class. (After all, you have a full workload and social life.)
There are tons of helpful tips and tricks to stay awake in class, but TBH sleep is non-negotiable. 'Your brain runs on sleep, and you will have a big breakdown in mood and learning when you're not getting enough sleep,' says sleep expert Roxanne Prichard, PhD. In other words, consistent sleep is necessary for learning. 'We have a lot of data that shows if you sleep well, you're not going to be the one falling asleep in class,' she tells PS.
Ok, ma quanto dormi? In realtà Bisogno? Dalle sette alle nove ore per notte, dice il dottor Prichard. La costanza è molto importante e si tratta di avere un ritmo costante, quindi prova ad andare a letto e svegliarti alla stessa ora per dormire il tuo corpo ha bisogno.
But sometimes life happens, and your busy schedule gets in the way. If that's the case, there're a handful of simple ways to perk up during class to keep you engaged, alert, and actively learning. Read on for 15 tips from real, busy students on how to stay awake in class.
Esperti presenti in questo articolo
Rossana Prichard , PhD, è professore di neuroscienze e psicologia presso l'Università di St. Thomas.
Come rimanere svegli in classe
1. Massaggia le mani
'Massaggio l'area tra il pollice e l'indice per rimanere sveglio. Un riflessologo una volta mi ha detto che era un buon modo per liberarmi dell'emicrania, cosa che a volte succede, e mi aiuta anche a rimanere sveglio durante le lezioni o le conferenze lunghe.' — Kasha, Johns Hopkins University class of 2026
2. Indossa un braccialetto Bond Touch
'One unique way to stay awake during class is by wearing a braccialetto tocco di legame with a fellow classmate. These bracelets are meant for couples in long distance relationships but can work great as a wakeup call. Bond touch bracelets vibrate at the touch of a button when one person wants to get the attention of the other. If you find yourself dozing off in class often, simply have an accountability partner wear one with you. They can zap their bracelet to send a vibration to your wrist and it will wake you up like a vibrating alarm clock.' — Alyce, Florida A&M University class of 2024
3. Siediti dritto
Mi siedo dritto, quindi è più difficile (o impossibile) addormentarmi. — Jocelyn, University of Michigan Medical School class of 2027
4. Bevi acqua
'I drink a lot of water during class because it seems like an activity. The cold water also keeps me alert, so I try to drink an entire Hydro Flask during each class.' – Jack, University of Southern California class of 2024
5. Vestiti per il successo
'I try to get dressed for class every day. It doesn't have to be fancy but if I'm wearing jeans or a casual dress, I feel more awake than if I'm wearing sweats or pajamas.' – Claire, University of Denver class of 2026
6. Scarabocchio
'I stay awake by doodling in my notebooks during class. This helps keep me entertained and alert.' — Hannah, New York University class of 2024
7. Fai una doccia fredda
'If I'm incredibly tired before my evening class, I take a freezing shower and practice mindful breathing under the water. Cold showers wake the body up and refresh the mind, as shocking as they can be to the skin. Then grounding yourself through mindful breathing helps calm the nerves and puts you in a state of concentration and focus, which is why I do it. After my brief shower, I take a little bit of time to get ready, putting some pride in my appearance, and by the time I get to class, I am wide awake, feeling calm, cool, collected, and ready to learn.' — MaLynn, Metropolitan Community College Kansas City class of 2024
8. Prendi appunti
'I take notes in class, even on the stuff that doesn't matter, so I stay engaged with the lecture.' — Daniel, Emory University class of 2026
9. Sperimenta con gli oli essenziali
Recentemente mi sono appassionata agli oli essenziali e ho scoperto che se metto una goccia di olio di eucalipto o di menta piperita sulle tempie e sulla punta del naso mi mantiene sveglio e più energico. — Jen, University of Texas at Austin class of 2024
10. Rimani produttivo
'I often try to find something else productive I can do if I'm getting drowsy. Whether it's a to-do list or some work for another class, I find I can wake myself up by working on something I want to get done. After that it's easier to return my focus to the class and I'll feel more awake.' — Joe, Colgate University class of 2024
11. Esercizio
'If I feel myself falling asleep in class, I get up and go to the bathroom to wake my brain up — move around a little.' — Celia, Colgate University, class of 2023
Per un consiglio: A quick exercise break before or during class can boost your heart rate and up your cortisol levels to activate the body and prep the mind for learning, Dr. Prichard says. Her suggestion? Try five minutes of jumping jacks or running in place!
12. Bevi caffè
Bevo molto caffè e faccio delle pause per passeggiare per il corridoio durante le lezioni più lunghe. — Caroline, Colgate University class of 2023
Per un consiglio: Caffeinated drinks like coffee or tea can be helpful in waking you up before class, Dr. Prichard says. Just be mindful that caffeine takes 15 to 20 minutes to kick in , and you should cut off caffeine at least eight hours before bed, she adds.
13. Gomma da masticare
'I chew a lot of gum during class. It's hard to fall asleep while literally chewing and the mint is refreshing.' — Emma, Northwestern University class of 2025
Per un consiglio: Se stai cercando una scossa in più, il dottor Prichard dice che i gusti piccanti come la gomma alla cannella o i piselli al wasabi possono allertare e stimolare i tuoi sensi.
14. Partecipa
'Partecipo il più possibile, sia che si tratti di porre domande, rispondere a suggerimenti o impegnarsi in una discussione di gruppo. Questo mi aiuta a rimanere impegnato e a rendere le cose un po' più emozionanti.' — Grace, DePaul University class of 2026
15. Pratica la consapevolezza
'Cerco di praticare la consapevolezza ogni volta che mi accorgo di non prestare attenzione o di addormentarmi. In quei momenti, vado in bagno e mi spruzzo l'acqua in faccia, oppure mi sgranchisco e faccio scrocchiare le articolazioni.' — Everett, University of Florida class of 2023
Andi Breitowich è uno scrittore freelance con sede a Chicago e laureato alla Emory University e alla Medill School of Journalism della Northwestern University. Il suo lavoro è apparso su PS, Women's Health, Cosmopolitan e altrove.
