Sleep All Day: A Student's Guilty Pleasure

It's natural to feel sleepy during the day if you didn't get a good night's rest. While it's not advisable to make a habit of sleeping in class, sometimes, a quick nap during class can help you get through the day. There are several tricks to sleeping in class without getting caught, such as hiding your face with a hoodie or resting your head on your hand while holding a pencil. However, it's important to address the underlying reasons for your daytime sleepiness. Are you getting enough sleep at night? Are you eating or drinking something that makes you sleepy? Are your classes boring, or is your learning style not a good fit for the teaching style? Experiment with different strategies to combat your drowsiness, such as drinking cold water, engaging in class, or maintaining a sleep schedule. Remember, while it's okay to skip class to sleep once in a while, don't let it become a habit!

How to hide the fact that you're sleeping in class

Sleeping in class is a common occurrence, especially if you've been burning the midnight oil or binge-watching your favourite show. Here are some tips and tricks to hide the fact that you're sleeping in class:

Choosing the Right Moment and Seat:

• Wait until the class has started and a few minutes of discussion have passed. Teachers are more likely to notice if you're dozing off before the lesson begins.
• Choose a seat that's not directly in the teacher's line of sight. If possible, sit behind someone taller, so they block the teacher's view of you.
• If you can, opt for classes with less observant teachers who get caught up in their lessons.

Hiding Your Sleep:

• Use a hoodie or long hair to shield your face from view.
• Prop up a textbook or notebook in front of your face, especially if you're sitting in a noisy class with group work or lab activities.
• Slump down in your chair and rest your head on your desk, but be mindful of when the class might get up and move around.
• Sit at the back of the class, but avoid the very back row as teachers often suspect students there might be trying to sleep.

Avoiding Suspicion:

• Pay attention at the beginning of the class by taking notes, making eye contact, and answering questions. This gives the impression that you're engaged, and teachers are less likely to call on you later.
• Ask a friend to nudge you if the teacher is approaching or if something important is about to happen.
• Avoid wearing earplugs or earbuds, as this is a telltale sign of sleeping and might make it harder to hear the teacher.
• Stay half-focused and keep one ear open so you can quickly snap back to attention if needed.

While it's understandable to want to catch some shut-eye during class, remember that getting a good night's sleep and staying attentive in class are important for your learning and grades.

Why you shouldn't feel guilty about skipping class to sleep

Skipping class to catch up on sleep is a common occurrence for students. While it may be tempting to feel guilty about doing so, there are several reasons why you shouldn't be too hard on yourself.

Firstly, mental health days are important and valid. University can be a stressful time, and it's crucial to prioritise your mental well-being. If you're feeling overwhelmed, taking a day off to rest and recharge can help you feel more refreshed and motivated when you return to class.

Secondly, it's understandable if you feel that attending a particular class is a waste of your time. Not all classes are equally engaging or beneficial to your learning. If you feel that you can cover the material more effectively on your own, it's reasonable to consider alternative study methods, such as independent study or online learning.

Additionally, it's important to recognise that you are paying for your education and should feel empowered to make decisions that maximise the value you get from it. If you have excellent grades and feel confident in your ability to learn the material independently, skipping class occasionally may not negatively impact your academic performance.

However, it's essential to maintain your integrity and meet your requirements. Ensure that you are still taking advantage of the resources and opportunities provided by your institution, even if you choose to skip class occasionally.

Finally, it's worth noting that skipping class can have some drawbacks. You may miss important announcements or opportunities for clarification by the instructor. Additionally, some professors may give bonus points for attendance, so you could be sacrificing potential points by skipping class.

In conclusion, while it's understandable to skip class to catch up on sleep or for other reasons, it's important to find a balance. Be mindful of your attendance, stay on top of your work, and make the most of your education while also prioritising your mental health and well-being.

Tips for staying awake in class

Staying awake in class can be a challenge, especially if you've been sleeping in late or pulling all-nighters. Here are some tips to help you stay alert and focused during those long lectures:

Get Enough Sleep

The best way to stay awake during class is to ensure you're getting a good night's sleep. Aim for 7-10 hours of sleep each night, depending on your age. Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule will help you feel well-rested and energized for the day ahead.

Sit at the Front

Choose a seat at the front of the classroom. Being closer to the teacher makes it harder to doze off and can help you stay engaged in the lesson. It also encourages you to actively participate in class discussions.

Stay Active and Move Around

Try to stay active during class by participating in discussions, asking questions, and taking notes. If you're feeling particularly sleepy, get up and move around. Stretch your legs, walk to the back of the classroom, or ask to use the restroom. A change of posture or scenery can help refresh your mind and body.

Drink Water

Staying hydrated is crucial for maintaining focus and alertness. Bring a water bottle to class and take sips throughout the lesson. Dehydration can lead to fatigue and irritability, so make sure you're drinking enough water throughout the day.

Caffeinate Responsibly

Consider having a cup of coffee or tea before class to give you an energy boost. Caffeine can enhance your alertness and focus. However, be cautious not to overdo it, as too much caffeine can lead to jitters and irritability. Also, avoid consuming caffeine too close to bedtime, as it may interfere with your sleep.

Eat Healthy Snacks

Bring a healthy snack to class, such as nuts, fruits, or crackers. Eating a nutritious snack can help stabilize your blood sugar levels and provide a quick energy boost when you're feeling drowsy. Avoid sugary snacks, as they may give you a temporary rush but could lead to an energy crash later.

Get Some Sunlight

Sunlight is a natural energizer. If possible, step outside during breaks and soak up some sun. It will help regulate your body's circadian rhythms, making you feel more awake during the day and sleepy at night.

Chew Gum or Minty Candies

Chewing gum or sucking on minty candies can help improve your alertness and focus. Studies suggest that chewing gum during monotonous tasks can enhance alertness. Additionally, the scent of peppermint can stimulate your hippocampus, enhancing alertness and memory.

Take Breaks and Stretch

If you feel your energy dipping, take a short break and do some simple stretches. Stretch your arms, torso, knees, and legs to get your blood flowing. It will help you feel more energized and less sleepy.

Breathe Deeply

Deep breathing exercises can help increase oxygen levels in your blood, giving you a quick burst of energy. Sit up straight, take a deep breath through your nose, and exhale slowly through your mouth. Repeat this a few times to feel more energized and relaxed.

Remember, getting a good night's sleep is essential for staying awake in class. However, if you find yourself consistently struggling to stay awake, consider speaking to a doctor or a healthcare professional. They can help you identify any underlying issues and provide personalized advice.

How to catch up on work after skipping class

It's not uncommon to feel sleepy in class or to skip a class to catch up on sleep. However, missing classes can lead to a lot of stress and anxiety about catching up on work. Here are some tips on how to catch up on work after skipping class:

Before Class:

• Read the syllabus: Before deciding to skip class, go through the syllabus to check for any graded attendance, absence procedures, and participation points. Also, check the class schedule to ensure you don't miss any exams, mandatory presentations, or assignments.
• Understand the professor's expectations: Find out how your professor reacts to students who skip class. Do they follow up with students? Do they take attendance? This information will help you gauge the consequences of your absence and the level of effort required to catch up.

After Class:

• Make an appointment for clarification: If you've missed a class, it's best to take the initiative to schedule time with your professor, teaching assistant, or a tutor to clarify any doubts. However, ensure that you attempt to understand the material on your own first, as instructors are more likely to help if you've made an honest effort.
• Record lectures: If permitted, record the lectures you attend. This way, you can refer back to the material when catching up and gain a better understanding of follow-up topics.
• Prioritize your time: Evaluate your schedule and prioritize your time effectively. Ensure that your work and class schedules don't overlap, allowing you sufficient time for both.

During Class:

• Stay engaged and participate: Actively participate in class by asking questions, taking notes, and interacting with your professor and peers. This will help you stay awake and focused, reducing the likelihood of dozing off.
• Practice active learning: Summarize paragraphs, formulate questions, and discuss topics with classmates. This will improve your comprehension and retention of the material.
• Take breaks and move around: If you feel drowsy, stretch, walk around, or get some fresh air. This will help you stay alert and focused during class.

Remember, while it's understandable to skip a class occasionally, making it a habit can lead to a negative cascade of effects on your academic performance and well-being.

How to get enough sleep without skipping class

It's natural to feel sleepy during the day if you're not getting enough sleep at night. Here are some tips to help you get enough sleep without skipping class:

Maintain a consistent sleep schedule

Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends. Most adults need around seven to nine hours of sleep, but this may vary from person to person. If you're still feeling tired, try going to bed an hour earlier and see how you feel after getting some extra sleep.

Improve your sleep environment

Make your bedroom a cozy and relaxing space. Keep the room dark, cool and quiet. Use blackout curtains or shades to block out light, and set the thermostat to a comfortable temperature, ideally around 65 °F (18 °C). Minimize screen time before bed, as the blue light emitted by electronic devices can disrupt your sleep schedule and keep you awake. Instead of watching TV or scrolling through your phone, consider reading a book or exploring other relaxing activities.

Evaluate your diet and medication

What you eat or drink before bed can impact your sleep quality. Eating a large meal or consuming too much fat, carbohydrates or calories before sleeping may lead to drowsiness. High levels of melatonin or tryptophan can also trigger sleepiness. Additionally, certain medications can have sedative effects, including antihistamines, antidepressants, muscle relaxants and pain medicines. If you're taking any medications, be mindful of their potential side effects and discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider.

Develop healthy sleep habits

• Exercise regularly: Engage in at least 15-30 minutes of physical activity each day to help improve your sleep. However, avoid strenuous exercise close to bedtime, as it may make it harder to fall asleep.
• Limit caffeine intake: Avoid consuming caffeine after 2 p.m. or within eight hours of your bedtime.
• Wind down before bed: Establish a relaxing bedtime routine to signal to your body that it's time to wind down. This could include reading, listening to soothing music or practising meditation or deep breathing exercises.
• Avoid napping too close to bedtime: If you must nap during the day, try to limit your nap to 20-30 minutes and avoid napping too close to bedtime, as it may disrupt your nighttime sleep.

Stay engaged during class

If you're feeling sleepy during class, try to stay engaged and participate as much as possible. Ask questions, take notes and interact with your classmates. Move around if possible, as physical activity can help keep you awake. Sit at the front of the class if you can, as it will be harder to doze off and you'll be more likely to stay focused.

By following these tips, you can improve your sleep habits and increase your alertness during the day, making it easier to stay awake and engaged during class.

Frequently asked questions