Body clocks and sleep

Our bodies and minds are programmed to run to a particular schedule and our mental and physical abilities change dramatically during a day. For example, concentration, memory and the ability to work with our hands, all reach a peak in the afternoon, and fall to a low in the middle of the night. Our body clocks are set and kept in sync by daylight which also keeps us alert. Confusing your body clock will make you less alert and less effective. Lack of sleep will not stop a surgeon from operating successfully or a pilot from landing a jet, but it will affect a student's ability to read a book and remember things well.

Some points to remember

§ If you have to get someone to wake you up every morning, you are not getting enough sleep.

§ You should sleep at regular times so as not to confuse your body clock.

§ You must get enough daylight. Study in a well-lit room, preferably near a window.

§ The best times to study are between 9.00 and 12.00 noon, and then late afternoon between 4.00 and 6.00.

§ The worst times are after lunch, because your body clock goes into a dip between 1.00 p.m. and 3.00 p.m., and also late at night. You may think you are more creative after 11.00 p.m., but remember that most exams take place during the day. Studying late at night will disrupt your body clock.

§ A short nap during the afternoon will help you study and could result in an improved performance – just make sure you don't fall asleep during your exam.