Ever wondered when is the best time to study? We all desire to enhance our productivity as learners and accomplish our academic objectives. The schedule of our study sessions is a critical thing to consider that can have a consequential influence on our capacity to acquire knowledge, and we all want to get the hang of the best time to study. You need to put it together for maximum optimisation carefully. This blog will focus on finding the best hour to study for you. Regardless of whether you are a night owl or a morning person, you will definitely find your peak hours! Now, let's get started and discover the best time to study and memorise! As Geroge Bernard Shaw wisely said “Don’t wait for the opportunity. Create it.”
What is the Best Time to Study?
The best time to study, according to research and scientists, is between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm and between 4:00 pm and 10:00 pm, as the brain is most awake and teachable. However, for deep focus and concentration, one must study between 4:00 am and 7:00 am, so if you're looking for some tips to balance work while studying, it would be best if you time it correctly. Young adults might be a little bit of an exception to this guideline, so it's important to keep a few things in mind. According to scientists, young adults between the ages of 14 and 24 have circadian rhythms behind either young children or mature adults by roughly 2-3 hours. In this age bracket, the best times to study can be a little later.
How Time of Day Affects Students' Brains
The time of day can affect students' brains in simple ways. Students are mostly more focused in the morning, which makes it the best learning time. However, it might be more difficult to focus in the afternoon due to a possible decline in energy and all the distractions along the way. Some pupils may feel more creative and capable of tackling problems in the evening. When arranging your work or study schedule and finding the best time for study, keep these patterns in mind for optimal learning and performance.
Should I Study at Night or During the Day?
In reality, there is no such thing as the best time to study; it differs from person to person when they can be more productive, have the most energy, know their surroundings, and so on. Some are early risers, some work best in the afternoon, and some are night owls; depending on this, we have a breakdown of the benefits of studying at that time and also what is the best time to study and memorise.
1. Morning Learners
Does your brain function at its optimal level in the morning? If so, you are definitely a morning learner. Many students can focus well early morning after a good night’s sleep. They can grasp concepts better, solve math problems more effectively, and remember things well. They also feel more energetic and refreshed in the morning, making it the best study time for students.
Benefits of Studying in the Morning
Most people would think that morning is the best time to study, as our brains tend to be the sharpest in the morning after a pleasant night's sleep and breakfast. Explore below why one must pick mornings as the best time to study and memorise:
- It's said that exposure to sunlight, as opposed to darkness, keeps the intellect sharper.
- The light in the early morning hours is also very good for your eyes; it strengthens your retinas and your eye muscles.
- Maintaining your sleep cycle might be facilitated by implementing a morning study routine that aligns with your circadian rhythm.
2. Afternoon Learners
Yes, there are students who are the most active during the day, unlike most of us who feel tired and sleepy after a good afternoon lunch. Many students can easily integrate information they have learned before during this hour. 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.
Benefits of Studying During the Afternoon
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.
- Afternoons are usually quieter, and students can focus better without any distractions.
- Students can read in the library after class or study in groups.
- Students might also have access to tutors and teachers to clear any doubts.
3. Nighttime Learners
These are the night owls who are the most productive during the nighttime. Like the afternoon, the nighttime is also quieter, enabling students to focus and recall all they have learned during the day. Also, it is believed that sleeping after studying helps retain information.
Benefits of Studying During Nighttime
Later in the day, some students have greater energy. As a result, reading and studying for them is more productive in the evening or at night. This is the best time to study and memorise as there are fewer distractions, and everyone is in bed now. Below are a few brief points to support the topic:
- Studying also helps to increase your focus and creativity.
- After studying, some claim that getting some sleep will help you retain what you learned.
- You need to ensure that you are still getting an average sleep of 8 to 9 hours each night.
Since you prefer studying at night, you can also try a few tips to stay awake at night, which can help you figure out your best time to study and memorise! However, one must remember to stay hydrated and don't overdo the coffee.
How to Decide the Best Time to Study?
Everyone has a preference for when they'd like to sit and dedicate enough time to studying. Now that you know the benefits of studying both during the night and day, you can also read up on how to decide the best time to study, keeping these factors in mind. Having said that, different study schedules can be the best time to study and memorise for different students. If you take the following elements into account, you may determine when you learn best.
1. Diversion
It's ideal to choose another time if your preferred hour is prone to interruptions, such as dinnertime, which can mess up your pattern. That will be your best time to study and memorise. You have to choose when any kind of hindrance can't hamper your flow.
2. Attention
When are you at your sharpest? Consider that various people tend to have superior recollections and alertness at different times of the day. For instance, your visual memory may be greater in the morning, but your capacity for critical thought is at its highest in the afternoon. You need to understand when your mind is in the most alert state. To help you increase your attention span, you can learn the Top 10 Ways to Increase Attention Span.
3. Regularity
Choose a time that you can consistently adhere to, at least for a few days each week. You need to prepare a proper schedule to keep your mind prepared about what is coming, and slowly and gradually, it will automatically fall into the cycle. Also, don't forget to take breaks to refresh your mind and get mental health support for students if needed.
Find Out When You Are Most Productive
There are plenty of studies conducted on human psychology that can tell us about how our biorhythms affect our sleep schedules and energy levels. As such, we have come to learn that people may have special times of peak productivity as well. So how do we know what is the best time to study for students? Here are a few ways that can help:
1. Don't Assume
Just because your peers prefer staying up all night to study, that doesn't mean that would work for you, either. For all you know, studying in the morning is when you're most predictive. Figure it out by trying both!
2. Learn About Biorhythms
You can teach your brain to work effectively when you need it, for example, in class, instead of being productive and energised when it's time to go to bed. A consistent schedule that repeats every day can help you find your peak productivity time.
3. Keep an Eye on Your Circadian Rhythm
Your circadian rhythm is your body's internal clock. It runs on a roughly 24-hour cycle and dictates when you feel awake, sleepy, and hungry and when your body produces certain hormones. It even affects your mental performance throughout the day. You can use student well-being services and apps to track your circadian rhythm and then make a suitable schedule based on your findings.
4. Analyse Your Typical Day
Once you start paying attention to how you feel throughout the day and tracking your daily activities, you can see a pattern: You'll find one long peak of productivity or a few shorter ones instead. Once you know this, you can find out when you are most productive.
Best Time to Study: Things to Keep in Mind
Once you've decided which time frame works best for you and what is the best learning time for students, you can start making time for it. In addition, we have offered a few things to remember. You can keep these things in mind while planning your session to make it more effective and to get the most out of your learning time.
1. Morning Focus
Many students find the best time to study in the morning when they are more alert and focused.
2. Avoid the Afternoon
During the afternoon, energy and concentration levels may dip, making it harder to study effectively (unless you’re an afternoon learner). Take short breaks or engage in light physical activity to refresh your mind.
3. Evening Creativity
Some students experience enhanced creativity and problem-solving skills in the evening. Use this time for creative tasks or self-examination.
4. Find your Peak Time
Pay attention to your own body and brain patterns to decide your peak times for studying. Everyone is different, so find the time that works best for you.
5. Plan Breaks
Include short breaks into your study routine to control burnout and maintain focus.
6. Consider Circadian Rhythms
Remember that our bodies have natural rhythms, so try to align your study schedule with your circadian rhythm for optimal productivity.
7. Sleep Well
Prioritise good sleep habits as they directly impact cognitive functioning and memory retention. Ensure you have enough restful sleep to support your learning.
8. Stay Hydrated and Nourished
Proper hydration and nutrition are essential for optimal brain function. Drink water and eat nutritious meals to fuel your study sessions.
Tips to Study More Efficiently
Besides knowing the best time to study, you can also follow certain tips to study more efficiently. These include the following:
1. Make Notes
Taking notes will help you summarise key points, organise information, and help in memory retention. Focus on the most important concepts and ideas while making notes.
2. Use charts & diagrams
Visual aids like charts, graphs, and diagrams make complex ideas easier to understand. When using charts and diagrams, ensure that they are clear, concise, and relevant.
3. Create a Productive Space
Your study space greatly impacts your productivity. Make sure to choose a quiet, clutter-free place, free of distractions. You can also personalise your space with the items that inspire and motivate you.
4. Get Proper Sleep
Sleep is vital for optimal cognitive function. Getting 7-8 hours of sleep at night will help you retain information and learn better.
5. Stick to a Study Plan
Why a study plan? Because this can help you organise your study sessions and manage time effectively. Break down your study material into small chunks. Be realistic with your schedule and take breaks in between.
Finding the best time to study is essential for maximising our learning and output. No one solution works for everyone, but we can use the knowledge and advice shared in this blog to choose the best time for students to study. There are various methods we might use to increase our learning capacity. It's also critical to remember that our lives influence our study, so we should experiment to see what methods work for us. We may be successful in our learning journeys by prioritising our study time and utilising these techniques.