When is the best time to study? If you’re busy with a full-time job and a family, your response might be, “Whenever I can!” But if you’ve got some flexibility, it’s helpful to know that research shows some times are better for studying and acquiring new information than others. Aligning your study schedule with the times your brain is primed to engage with new material can help you work smarter, not harder.
Is there really a best time to study?
Research on the best time to study is rooted in the field of chronobiology, which explores how our brains and bodies are affected by time. Our circadian rhythms--essentially, the cyclical ways in which our bodies respond to our environment and hormones--play an important role in determining when we’re primed to do certain activities. Studying at a time that’s optimal for your body can help you
- Learn new concepts more easily
- Retain information better
- Make better decisions
- Be more creative
Best time to study according to science
According to science, there are two windows of time the brain is most receptive to new material: 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, and 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm. 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. Studies have shown that the circadian rhythms of young adults between the ages of 14-24 tend to run about 2-3 hours behind young children or mature adults. For those in this age group, prime study windows might be a little later.
Is it better to study day or night?
Though science can play a role in determining when it’s best for you to study, it isn’t the only factor you should consider. Studying during the day and hitting the books at night can have different benefits and drawbacks, depending on your environment and personal preferences. If you study during the day, you might benefit from
- Optimal learning windows
- Natural light
- Feeling rested after a good night’s sleep
However, studying at night may be a better idea if you
- Feel more alert during the 4:00 pm-10:00 pm learning window
- Have fewer interruptions or demands on your time
- Follow a schedule that already significantly alters your circadian rhythms
Though every person’s best time to study is unique, aligning your study habits with chronobiology can help you improve your performance. That said, it’s important to be flexible. What works for you one week may be completely unrealistic the next, depending on what you’ve got going on. If flexibility in when you study is a primary concern for you, then consider taking classes online. Online classes that allow you to set your own pace and work on your coursework when it’s best for you (like those from StraighterLine) can help you make the most of your daily rhythms and schedule.
Anissa Sorokin, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor of English and Writing Program Administrator at Stevenson University near Baltimore, Maryland. Anissa’s interdisciplinary background and extensive experience teaching research, writing, and study skills help her demystify college expectations for students online and in her classroom. Looking for strategies on improving your study habits while learning online? Read our Tips for Effective Online Learning and become more successful in your online classes.
FAQs
For some students, morning hours are the best for studying, while for others studying during the night brings out the best results. According to science, the best hours to study are between 10 am and 2 pm, from 4 pm to 10 pm. This is a time when the human brain is in acquisition mode.
Is it better to study in the morning or at night? ›
For some students, morning hours are the best for studying, while for others studying during the night brings out the best results. According to science, the best hours to study are between 10 am and 2 pm, from 4 pm to 10 pm. This is a time when the human brain is in acquisition mode.
What is the best time for a person to study? ›
What is the best time to study? Science has proven that a person's critical thinking and analytical skills are more effective between 2 PM to 5 PM. It is said that during these times, the brain can be very proficient at assimilating and processing any new information it acquired.
What time of day is your brain sharpest? ›
Older adults' peak performance on memory and cognitive inhibition tasks tends to be in the morning while younger adults' peak performance tends to be in the afternoon.
How many hours a day is best to study? ›
Studying for 3 to 4 hours a day is the best number as it is realistic without being too small to actually get the work done. It has also been shown that this period of time allows your brain to work at full capacity without burning it out.
Is it better to study on an empty stomach? ›
Undernourishment not only impairs concentration span and information retention. If the brain is not supplied with sufficient nutrients, then its entire development is affected.
Is it good to study on bed? ›
Although laying in bed is the ultimate in comfort, sitting in bed isn't always as comfortable. Sitting in an uncomfortable position applies pressure to your back, which can lead to spine problems over time. It's a sneaky disadvantage to studying in bed, but it's important to consider for the long-term.
Is it bad to study late at night? ›
Studying late at night is actually a bad habit. When you sleep its not only about getting rest for your body and brain, but many hormones are released and repair work is done during that period of time. And it will leads to poor concentration and memory,irritation,headache,migraine,weight gain and stress.
How long should you study? ›
Study in short time blocks like 1-2 hours at a time (take about a five minute break every half hour or ten minutes every hour), as you'll likely be able to focus better and remember a greater proportion of what you learned, and will also be less likely to procrastinate.
At what age is your brain the strongest? ›
At what age is your brain the sharpest? Researchers have found that while some mental abilities tend to peak earlier in life, many don't reach their highest point until around age 40 or later. It can be helpful to learn more about when your brain might be at its best.
Although new discoveries prove that timing may not be everything, it is important if you want to create and perform at your best consistently. 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.
What time is your brain the smartest? ›
The time when your brain is most active is during the day , specifically in the morning and early afternoon . This is when your brain is well - rested and has the most energy to focus and retain information .
Is studying 1 hour a day enough? ›
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.
Is studying 2 hours a day enough? ›
The general rule of thumb regarding college studying is, that for each class, students should spend approximately 2-3 hours of study time for each hour that they spend in class.
How much do 4.0 students study? ›
To achieve an A or a 4.0 GPA at a research institution most professors expect you to study anywhere from 47 to 59 hours per week on average.
Is it better to study in the dark or light? ›
It is best to read and study in natural light during the daytime, irrespective of if you are using a paperback book or technology.
What is the optimal study time per day? ›
The maximum number of hours you can spend studying every day is about 11 hours if you also devote time to your health. However, the recommendation is to spend just over five hours daily on a 12-credit hour course and 6 hours daily for a 14-credit hour course.
Is it good to study the night before? ›
Get a good night's sleep
Don't burn the midnight oil the night before a test. The extra effort put into late-night studying will be offset by reduced mental performance due to lost sleep. It won't help, so don't try it. Call it a night and go to bed; your morning will be better for it.
