Sleeping in class is a problem that can cause your grades to suffer. If you are an adult or a teenager who falls asleep at school, make it a priority to get on a better sleep schedule.
Problems with Sleeping in Class
If you are so tired that you're constantly nodding off, sleeping in class will be common. You probably know the drill: you sit down and start to relax, your eyes grow heavy, you decide to shut them for a moment, and the next thing you know you're in dreamland. While this problem might not seem serious, the implications of missing classroom lectures and assignments are big ones.
Sleeping during class can cause your grades to suffer and make you less likely to be respected by teachers and fellow students. While it might seem funny at the time to snooze at your desk, the person you're hurting the most is yourself. Classrooms naps can also distract other students who might be sitting next to you or staring at you and the teacher who is trying to direct the class.
Here are just a few of the consequences:
- You might miss a test date that has been rescheduled
- You might miss an important lecture
- Your grades overall will start to suffer
- Your classmates and teacher will take you less seriously
- Your snoring might be a disruption to the class
- You might make it a habit to nap in class and sleep less at home
- Class might end early and you might be left behind
End Classroom Naps
Besides the obvious answers of getting more sleep at night and keeping a regular bedtime schedule, a few things can help you avoid sleeping while in class. Make sure if you try these tips that they are allowed at your school:
- Chew gum
- Eat something sugary or suck on hard candy
- Doodle in a notebook
- Try tensing and relaxing your muscles
- Take a nap or close your eyes before class, if possible
- Wiggle your fingers or toes or rotate your ankles
- Ask a friend to tap you on the shoulder
- Go to class slightly hungry, rather than right after eating
Why Do People Sleep in Class?
It's hard to deny that there is something about sitting in a classroom and listening to a lecture that causes sleepiness. The human body is also apt to crave afternoon naps as a way to recharge. Class time is also notoriously relaxing as much of the time you are asked to simply show up and listen. This type of activity lends itself to feeling permission to get some shuteye.
Take Active Classes
In a class that is fast-paced and gives you constant reasons to engage and response, you will be much less likely to fall asleep or want to sleep. Ways to stop classroom sleeping mean giving students the opportunity to participate and be rewarded for their listening skills. Here are some ways to do this for students:
- Take classes that require classroom participation
- Sign up for small classes, rather than be lectures
- Schedule classes that require more listening skills in the morning when you are more likely to be alert
- Sit in the front row
- Seek out teachers who have high energy and vocal variety
- Have someone you can be accountable to for staying awake
- Have an energy drink or caffeine before class
Get More Sleep
Above all, see your sleepiness during the day as an indication that you have to get more sleep at night. Change your sleep habits and make sleep more of a priority. Things will change and you will be able to stay alert and active during any class.
