Picture this: you're sitting in a two-hour lecture, your eyes are heavy, your brain is foggy, and your mind is dozing off. You're struggling to stay awake in class, but of course you don't want to nod off and miss a section of the lecture — or worse, get caught by the professor. If this scene feels a little too real for you, then you know how hard it can be to stay awake in class. (After all, you have a full workload and social life.)
There are tons of helpful tips and tricks to stay awake in class, but TBH sleep is non-negotiable. 'Your brain runs on sleep, and you will have a big breakdown in mood and learning when you're not getting enough sleep,' says sleep expert Roxanne Prichard, PhD. In other words, consistent sleep is necessary for learning. 'We have a lot of data that shows if you sleep well, you're not going to be the one falling asleep in class,' she tells PS.
Está bien, pero ¿cuánto duermes? de hecho ¿necesidad? De siete a nueve horas por noche, dice el Dr. Prichard. La constancia es muy importante y se trata de tener un ritmo constante, así que intenta acostarte y despertarte al mismo tiempo para dormir lo que tu cuerpo necesita.
But sometimes life happens, and your busy schedule gets in the way. If that's the case, there're a handful of simple ways to perk up during class to keep you engaged, alert, and actively learning. Read on for 15 tips from real, busy students on how to stay awake in class.
Expertos destacados en este artículo
Roxanne Prichard , PhD, es profesor de neurociencia y psicología en la Universidad de St. Thomas.
Cómo mantenerse despierto en clase
1. Masajea tus manos
'Me masajeo el área entre el pulgar y el índice para mantenerme despierto. Un reflexólogo me dijo una vez que era una buena manera de deshacerme de las migrañas, lo que a veces ocurre, y también me ayuda a mantenerme despierto en clases o conferencias largas.' — Kasha, Johns Hopkins University class of 2026
2. Use una pulsera Bond Touch
'One unique way to stay awake during class is by wearing a pulsera táctil bond with a fellow classmate. These bracelets are meant for couples in long distance relationships but can work great as a wakeup call. Bond touch bracelets vibrate at the touch of a button when one person wants to get the attention of the other. If you find yourself dozing off in class often, simply have an accountability partner wear one with you. They can zap their bracelet to send a vibration to your wrist and it will wake you up like a vibrating alarm clock.' — Alyce, Florida A&M University class of 2024
3. Siéntate derecho
Me siento erguido, por lo que es más difícil (o imposible) conciliar el sueño. — Jocelyn, University of Michigan Medical School class of 2027
4. Beber agua
'I drink a lot of water during class because it seems like an activity. The cold water also keeps me alert, so I try to drink an entire Hydro Flask during each class.' – Jack, University of Southern California class of 2024
5. Vístete para el éxito
'I try to get dressed for class every day. It doesn't have to be fancy but if I'm wearing jeans or a casual dress, I feel more awake than if I'm wearing sweats or pajamas.' – Claire, University of Denver class of 2026
6. Garabatear
'I stay awake by doodling in my notebooks during class. This helps keep me entertained and alert.' — Hannah, New York University class of 2024
7. Toma una ducha fría
'If I'm incredibly tired before my evening class, I take a freezing shower and practice mindful breathing under the water. Cold showers wake the body up and refresh the mind, as shocking as they can be to the skin. Then grounding yourself through mindful breathing helps calm the nerves and puts you in a state of concentration and focus, which is why I do it. After my brief shower, I take a little bit of time to get ready, putting some pride in my appearance, and by the time I get to class, I am wide awake, feeling calm, cool, collected, and ready to learn.' — MaLynn, Metropolitan Community College Kansas City class of 2024
8. Toma notas
'I take notes in class, even on the stuff that doesn't matter, so I stay engaged with the lecture.' — Daniel, Emory University class of 2026
9. Experimente con aceites esenciales
Recientemente comencé a usar aceites esenciales y descubrí que si pongo un poco de aceite de eucalipto o menta en las sienes y en la punta de la nariz, me mantiene despierto y con más energía. — Jen, University of Texas at Austin class of 2024
10. Manténgase productivo
'I often try to find something else productive I can do if I'm getting drowsy. Whether it's a to-do list or some work for another class, I find I can wake myself up by working on something I want to get done. After that it's easier to return my focus to the class and I'll feel more awake.' — Joe, Colgate University class of 2024
11. Ejercicio
'If I feel myself falling asleep in class, I get up and go to the bathroom to wake my brain up — move around a little.' — Celia, Colgate University, class of 2023
Para un consejo: A quick exercise break before or during class can boost your heart rate and up your cortisol levels to activate the body and prep the mind for learning, Dr. Prichard says. Her suggestion? Try five minutes of jumping jacks or running in place!
12. Beber café
Bebo mucho café y tomo descansos para pasear por el pasillo durante mis clases más largas. — Caroline, Colgate University class of 2023
Para un consejo: Caffeinated drinks like coffee or tea can be helpful in waking you up before class, Dr. Prichard says. Just be mindful that caffeine takes 15 to 20 minutes to kick in , and you should cut off caffeine at least eight hours before bed, she adds.
13. Masticar chicle
'I chew a lot of gum during class. It's hard to fall asleep while literally chewing and the mint is refreshing.' — Emma, Northwestern University class of 2025
Para un consejo: Si está buscando una sacudida adicional, el Dr. Prichard dice que los sabores picantes como la goma de canela o los guisantes de wasabi pueden alertar y estimular sus sentidos.
14. Participa
'Participo tanto como puedo, ya sea haciendo preguntas, respondiendo a indicaciones o participando en una discusión grupal. Esto me ayuda a mantener el compromiso y hace que las cosas sean un poco más emocionantes. — Grace, DePaul University class of 2026
15. Practica la atención plena
'Intento practicar la atención plena cada vez que noto que no presto atención o me quedo dormido. En esos momentos, voy al baño y me echo agua en la cara, o me estiro y hago crujir mis articulaciones.' — Everett, University of Florida class of 2023
Andi Breitowich es un escritor independiente radicado en Chicago y graduado de la Universidad Emory y de la Escuela de Periodismo Medill de la Universidad Northwestern. Su trabajo ha aparecido en PS, Women's Health, Cosmopolitan y otros lugares.
