By Emma Gillett, Features Editor
Despite her best efforts, the student’s eyes begin to droop. The teacher fades to a blurry background and the cold uncomfortable desktop begins to look more and more appealing.
Sleep is no longer avoidable – or so it seems.
As students balance homework, extracurriculars and difficult classes, the workload begins to pile up. But one may be surprised to find that in the world of Advanced Placement exams, essays and group projects, the most difficult part of school is sometimes something much more basic … staying awake.
This serious dilemma is multifaceted and the result of several environmental factors. To better understand how to fight this drowsy demon, an examination of the problem is necessary.
Ask yourself:
1) Are you in a hot, stuffy or windowless room? In my experience, these seem to be the prime locations for sleeping students. Something about the sad claustrophobic setting of these rooms lends itself to nap-time, but take heart, it is possible to stay awake.
First of all, do NOT watch the clock. That only leads to the harsh realization that in blocked hour-and-a-half-long classes, you most likely aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. Instead, focus on something that makes you happy. Whether it’s taking notes with colored pencils or running through a mental list of all your favorite things, sometimes a minor distraction can be fortifying enough to avoid nodding off.
2) Are you in your first- or fourth-period classes? At the beginning of the day, the memory of sleep is tantalizingly close, occasionally close enough to cause unwanted dozes and daydreams. Conversely, at the end of the day, you’re so overwhelmed with hours of learning that you might fall asleep simply from sheer information overload.
So, what can you do? Besides skipping every first and fourth period (not necessarily recommended), one answer is obvious: get a better night’s sleep. If that doesn’t seem possible, try taking a bathroom break halfway through class. Not to be used every day, this emergency method must be respected, but a quick stroll around the hall is a great way to shake off imminent slumber.
3) Are you in a lecture-style class? These classes may be the worst culprit of sleep inducers, as even the most talented teacher can begin to sound slightly drone-like toward the latter end of an hour. Besides trying the above methods, you might have to take drastic action to stay awake in these situations. Worst-case scenario, pull out something else you have to work on for a different class or doodle in your notes.
Worst worst case scenario? Tilt your head thoughtfully and rest your head on your hand in a “Thinker”-esqe pose. Then, take a page from our friends at “Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide” and follow this simple rule: Don’t drool.