Why you shouldn’t pull an all-nighter before an exam

We are so busy preparing for exams and getting good spots in colleges and universities that we ignore our very own valuable asset- our health.

Students are often seen pulling an all-nighter before exam days to focus on studies, revise the syllabus and concentrate on the subjects.

It is wrongly believed that concentration ability increases during the night time and this fad has been in practice since generations.

Sleep deprivation is considered to be a trait of studious students
Since ages, remaining awake during exam days was considered to be a trait that only can help fetch good marks. Over the years, “remaining awake” changed to “sleep deprivation” as awareness around sleep, mental health and overall well being increased.

Sleep deprivation does more harm than good
The certainty around getting good marks by studying till late night is not confirmed. But it is a verified and medically established fact that sleep deprivation does more harm to the body that any kind of mark can suffice.

It upsets the gut health, it damages the heart and it weakens the sleep deprived body. In students, who are 15-16 year olds, the effect of sleep deprivation does not show until a few years later.

Thinking skills shrink due to less sleep
Yes, you heard that right. Your cognitive health deteriorates when the body gets insufficient sleep. As per experts, due to less sleep the reaction time is stretched which means one is unable to concentrate with promptness. The individual is not that receptive to newer information.

It is not important to sacrifice your sleep
“It is really important not to sacrifice sleep for revision,” says Prof Russell Foster, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, the University of Oxford.

“A good night’s sleep can process information in the brain while you are asleep and actually come up with novel solutions to complex problems,” he says.

“Also sleep will help you lay down memories. So sure, I know that there are demands of revision, and all that stuff, but still defend your sleep. It will make you efficient the next day,” he adds.

Good sleep is the key
An adult should sleep for 7-8 hours in a day. Students should get between 8-10 hours of sleep in a day. If your exams are nearing, put in more effort during the day time. Have an early and light dinner and go to sleep by 10 pm.

To revise the syllabus, wake up early in the morning and study.