Here’s How To Avoid Falling Asleep In Class

We’ve all been there. You’re sitting in class and a wave of exhaustion crashes over you. Your eyelids start to drop, and even though you’ll need these notes tomorrow, you can’t seem to keep watching the board.

Suddenly. your eyes snap open! The teacher is standing right in front of your desk and has politely tapped you on the shoulder. Classmates are giggling and the whole room is looking at you. It’s so embarrassing … but five minutes later your eyes begin closing again and you’re back to fighting to stay awake.

Unfortunately falling asleep in class is all too common. Here’s how to avoid falling asleep in class so that you can skip out on these uncomfortable episodes.

1. Sleep outside of class.

Maybe the class is boring, but perhaps the real reason you’re falling asleep is because you didn’t get the rest you needed last night. It’s easy to let the hours slip by as you scan YouTube videos or run through the latest season of “Game of Thrones,” but if you’re up until 3 a.m. every night, you’ll drop dead the next day.

Build up quality sleep habits. Get used to getting at least eight hours of sleep each night. With a full eight hours of sleep, you’re much less likely to pass out in class.

2. Skim the chapter before class.

This tip can help you improve your grades and it will also help you stay awake. By skimming the material you prime your brain to be more interested in what your teacher has to say.

Even with just a quick look at the chapter your teacher is going to discuss, your brain will pick up small pieces of information. While you wouldn’t know enough to pass a test, these little pieces stay in your short-term memory. When your teacher goes over a point that you remember even a little bit about, it has the effect of jolting your brain awake, as if it’s shouting ‘Hey, I’ve seen this before!’

3. Sit in the front of the room.

I used this trick in college whenever I didn’t get enough sleep, and it will work for you as well in high school. Being physically closer to the teacher, and in a place where they can see you clearly, is great motivation to stay awake and even participate in class.

As a quick note, on days when I had almost no sleep at all, sitting in the front of the room backfired when I actually fell asleep! With the teacher lecturing just a few feet in front of me, I’m sure it was pretty obvious.

4. Bring a bottle of water with you.

Staying hydrated is very important when you need to be alert. When you don’t drink enough water, your body doesn’t function as well as it could.

[Looking for more info? Here's how to be a leader in high school.]