Can all-nighters really help you ace your exams? Doctor shares why you shouldn’t skip sleeping the night before

Staying up late and mugging up notes the night before an important test is a common picture in every Indian household. While some mothers sacrificed their precious sleep to feed us occasional snacks, others were lone soldiers preparing for academic battle come next morning! But is this strategy efficient, or solely an eyewash to calm down agitated parents who don’t believe you studied much all year?

Indianexpress.com spoke to a clinical expert and understood whether pulling an all-nighter can be considered an effective learning strategy or should a student prioritise a night of restful sleep to score a hundred.

“Staying up late to study, also known as ”cramming,” is generally not an effective way of learning,” said Dr Simon Grant, trustee and physician, Ruby Hall Clinic, Pune.

“Sleep plays a critical role in the consolidation of memories. Without adequate sleep, the brain struggles to convert short-term memories into long-term ones,” he explained.

According to him, lack of sleep also negatively affects cognitive functions such as attention, problem-solving, and critical thinking. This can lead to decreased academic performance.

He said that information retention is much better when study sessions are spread out over time (spaced repetition) rather than concentrated in a single, prolonged session. “Not to mention, staying up late can disrupt your circadian rhythm, leading to various health issues, including impaired immune function and increased stress levels,” said Grant.

Cramming is generally not an effective way of learning,” said Dr Simon Grant. (Source: Freepik)

What happens when you skip sleep?

Grant shared that lack of sleep impairs attention, alertness, concentration, reasoning, and problem-solving skills.

According to him, sleep deprivation is linked to increased stress, irritability, and mood disorders such as anxiety and depression.

“In fact, insufficient sleep can weaken the immune system, making you more susceptible to infections and illnesses. This can also lead to metabolic disorders such as obesity and diabetes and disrupt hormone production, including those regulating growth and appetite,” said Grant.

“Chronic sleep deprivation is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension, stroke, and heart attack. In the long term, it can contribute to serious health conditions, including certain cancers, Alzheimer’s disease, and overall reduced life expectancy,” he said.

Disclaimer: The copyright of this article belongs to the original author. Reposting this article is solely for the purpose of information dissemination and does not constitute any investment advice. If there is any infringement, please contact us immediately. We will make corrections or deletions as necessary. Thank you.