Should You Study in the Morning or at Night? (2024)

FAQs

Should You Study in the Morning or at Night? ›

Scientists have found the best time for study! According to scientists, the brain is most alert and teachable at 10 am–2 pm and 4 pm–10 pm. (Source: Amber Student). If you would like to optimise your attention span and practise deep learning, then science advises you to study between the hours of 4 am and 7 am.

Many studies suggest that 2 PM to 5 PM are the most effective hours for studying. Their critical thinking and analytical skills also work best during this time. For some, the best time of day to study is the afternoon. Let's now look at a few benefits of studying during the daytime.

That said, science has indicated that learning is most effective between 10 am to 2 pm and from 4 pm to 10 pm, when the brain is in an acquisition mode. On the other hand, the least effective learning time is between 4 am and 7 am.

Getting a good night's rest is definitely important, but sleep can also help with the recall of study material. Especially on those exams for which you only study once, it is better to stay up late and get some sleep after memorizing terms than to wake up early and cram.

Research shows that most students perform better in early afternoon classes. Students should individualize their class schedule based on their chronotype and habits. Students who plan out their schedule can help optimize their productivity.

Nighttime is generally quieter and less distracting. For students who thrive in a peaceful setting, this can be an ideal time for deep concentration. Some people find that their concentration peaks during the late hours. With fewer interruptions and a calm atmosphere, they can delve into their studies more effectively.

A study at Penn State found that because our brain is already active during the day, the full extent of our cognitive function is impaired by nightfall, meaning that doing schoolwork in the morning is both healthier and more productive than late nights.

Most people believe that morning is the best time to study since the brain is the sharpest. This is true since natural light available in the morning is good for the eyes and helps keep students alert. Morning study is incredibly best for learning a new theory or reviewing notes from the previous class session.

For homework involving lots of paper and books, a desk might be a better choice, but bed-studying can be done effectively. “Make yourself as neutral as possible” by sitting similarly to the way you would if you were at a desk, with the help of cushioning, she says. “If you're at neutral, you're more comfortable,” Ms.

At what time should we not study? ›

Best time to study according to science

The worst time to study is between 4:00 am to 7:00 am, so if you're studying while juggling other responsibilities, it might be better to pull a late night rather than an early morning. It's important to note that young adults may be a bit of an exception to this rule.

“Generally, waking up between 6am and 8am is considered ideal because it aligns with our natural sleep-wake cycles. This time frame allows exposure to sunlight, thereby regulating sleep patterns and producing the sleep hormone melatonin,” he explains.

Instead of sitting there forcing yourself to work/study more when you know your focus isn't there, take a little break by during some stretching and light exercises by your desk for 10 minutes – it's all about studying efficiently anyway.

The Best Time to Learn Something New

Learning is most effective when the brain is in acquisition mode, generally between 10:00 am to 2:00 p.m. and then again from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Night owls beware: think twice before pulling an all-nighter. The lowest learning valley occurs between 4:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m.

Avoid late-night study

If you're using a laptop or tablet, the blue light from these devices will also interrupt the release of melatonin, the hormone that brings on sleepiness. You can prevent this by switching off blue-light devices and closing your textbooks at least two hours before bedtime.

You will not be able to study in the morning properly if you are not rested properly and lack concentration. Make a sleeping schedule that gives you enough sleep time so that you can wake up rested and ready to study.

It has been proven that studying in the evening will help you consolidate your learning and improve your recall. Research shows that studying at night can also help you retain new skills like learning a new language. Studying before bedtime can ensure your memory consolidation process is at its peak.

You can study effectively from 30 minutes to six hours per day when you space out learning over a long period and integrate proven learning methods into your study time. Such methods include interleaved learning, retrieval practice, transforming notes into different formats, and self-explanation.

It is best to read and study in natural light during the daytime, irrespective of if you are using a paperback book or technology.