Check your syllabus and carefully read through the instructions or information on the material you need to know. Read your class notes to see if the teacher or professor made any special announcements you should consider when formulating your plan. Make a list of everything you need to cover. Prioritize information that’s most important for your exam or assignment and put it at the top of your list. Consider adding less-relevant topics towards the bottom of your list to cover later in the night.
Ensure you have your notes, books, as well as extra pens and paper to take notes with. This will keep you from getting up unnecessarily and disrupting your focus. It would be a good idea to have your laptop or tablet handy as well as some snacks and beverages.
8:00pm to 9:00pm: read pages 60-100 of history textbook 9:00 to 9:15pm: break 9:15 to 10:15pm: read pages covering primary documents 4-10 in history sourcebook 10:15 to 10:30pm: break
Think about past all-nighter or the conditions under which you’ve studied most easily. What methods or techniques did you use? For example, if you work best in complete silence, study at home or in a library. If you need a little noise, try an all-night café.
Write only the most important points or keep a list of keywords or headings with a short 3-6 word explanation. Review your notes the next day before the exam or when your assignment is due.
Review your schedule before you start to remind yourself what you need to accomplish. Break down each assignment into manageable sections. For example, if you have to read 40 pages in an hour before a break, aim to read 10 pages every 15 minutes. Your pace might require tweaking throughout the night, but sticking to a basic and manageable formula may help you get through the material.
Every person has different learning styles and strengths. Someone else may have studied or understood the material you don’t understand. Split the workload between each other, and then present afterwards. Ask each other questions after each presentation is complete. Stick to a strict schedule so that your study group doesn’t accidentally turn into a social group.
Remember: even a 90-minute nap can help you refresh and refocus for the day.
Find a place with a bright white light source. If you are studying at home, consider switching out your normal light bulb for higher watt, clear option. Consider getting a mini-light or lamp. This may provide further stimulation to your brain to keep you awake and alert.
If possible, turn off your phone or tablet. If not, turn the sound off so that you’re not tempted to check it every time it sends you an alert. Let your friends and family know that you need to study and they shouldn’t contact you during the evening unless it’s an emergency.
Chewing any kind of gum will help you stay alert. Consider keeping a small vial of peppermint oil close by to smell. Its scent can stimulate your brain and help you memorize more information. [7] X Research source
Doodle or draw for no more than 10 minutes. This may soothe you and help you focus better. If you don’t like to draw or doodle, do something else. Consider rolling something in your hand or gripping a stress ball while you’re reading.
Make sure to have a cup or bottle of water with your snack to stay hydrated.
Go for a short walk, pace the room, or do some light yoga or stretching. Any activity will circulate your blood, oxygenate your brain, relax your body, and help you get back into the flow of work. Take the opportunity to use the bathroom if necessary. Avoid pushing through the 60-90 minute time frame without a break. This could make you more tired, affect your mood, and even less efficient at learning.
Go to bed earlier or wake up later in the days before you know you’re going to have to study all night. Just an extra hour or two can help you stay up all night. This extra time can cue your body to the all-nighter as well as give you some extra hours of sleep reserve on which to draw when the night comes.
Sleep for 90 minutes between 1 and 3 pm for optimal performance. If you decide to nap at night, do so between 1 and 3 am. A 90-minute nap can be as effective as napping for 3 hours. Be aware that the effects of napping last only 8-10 hours. You might want to consider taking a brief nap just before you begin studying to get you through the night.
Light, protein-rich foods can increase your energy to get through the night without weighing you down. If you’re feeling low on energy, skip the candy and go for a 10-minute walk instead. This can give you more energy, relax you and improve alertness. [10] X Research source
In fact, if you’ve been drinking a lot of caffeine or even energy drinks, they may make you jittery and unable to effectively study. Avoid alcohol in the days and hours before an all night study session. This can make you drowsy and unable to concentrate.
Choose pants and tops that are not form fitting. For example, a pair of skinny jeans instead of sweats or yoga pants could make your legs fall asleep. Wear layers if you’re studying in a cool area. This way, you can remove extra layers if you get too warm without having to go and change completely. Wear comfortable shoes. If you’re sitting for a long period of time, your feet might swell. Try wearing slippers, running shoes, or flat shoes.
Choose a chair with a back as opposed to a stool. This will help you sit properly and stay alert. Keeping your feet on the floor will help you sit in a proper position. Keep your head and neck in a neutral, straight position. Pull in your abs, straighten your back, and push back your shoulders. This will help you get enough oxygen to keep you awake and alert. Don’t slouch, as this may make you drowsy.
Try different movements and stretches such as pushing your legs forward, pushing and pulling your toes towards and away from you, and doing ankle and wrist circles. Consider getting up to stretch if it doesn’t interrupt or bother anyone in your general vicinity.
