doing homework makes me tired

Homework Struggles May Not Be a Behavior Problem

Exploring some options to understand and help..

Posted August 2, 2022 | Reviewed by Abigail Fagan

• Mental health challenges and neurodevelopmental differences directly affect children's ability to do homework.
• Understanding what difficulties are getting in the way—beyond the usual explanation of a behavior problem—is key.
• Sleep and mental health needs can take priority over homework completion.

Chelsea was in 10th grade the first time I told her directly to stop doing her homework and get some sleep. I had been working with her since she was in middle school, treating her anxiety disorder. She deeply feared disappointing anyone—especially her teachers—and spent hours trying to finish homework perfectly. The more tired and anxious she got, the harder it got for her to finish the assignments.

One night Chelsea called me in despair, feeling hopeless. She was exhausted and couldn’t think straight. She felt like a failure and that she was a burden to everyone because she couldn’t finish her homework.

She was shocked when I told her that my prescription for her was to go to sleep now—not to figure out how to finish her work. I told her to leave her homework incomplete and go to sleep. We briefly discussed how we would figure it out the next day, with her mom and her teachers. At that moment, it clicked for her that it was futile to keep working—because nothing was getting done.

This was an inflection point for her awareness of when she was emotionally over-cooked and when she needed to stop and take a break or get some sleep. We repeated versions of this phone call several times over the course of her high school and college years, but she got much better at being able to do this for herself most of the time.

When Mental Health Symptoms Interfere with Homework

Kids with mental health or neurodevelopmental challenges often struggle mightily with homework. Challenges can come up in every step of the homework process, including, but not limited to:

• Remembering and tracking assignments and materials
• Getting the mental energy/organization to start homework
• Filtering distractions enough to persist with assignments
• Understanding unspoken or implied parts of the homework
• Remembering to bring finished homework to class
• Being in class long enough to know the material
• Tolerating the fear of not knowing or failing
• Not giving up the assignment because of a panic attack
• Tolerating frustration—such as not understanding—without emotional dysregulation
• Being able to ask for help—from a peer or a teacher and not being afraid to reach out

This list is hardly comprehensive. ADHD , autism spectrum disorder, social anxiety , generalized anxiety, panic disorder, depression , dysregulation, and a range of other neurodevelopmental and mental health challenges cause numerous learning differences and symptoms that can specifically and frequently interfere with getting homework done.

The Usual Diagnosis for Homework Problems is "Not Trying Hard Enough"

Unfortunately, when kids frequently struggle to meet homework demands, teachers and parents typically default to one explanation of the problem: The child is making a choice not to do their homework. That is the default “diagnosis” in classrooms and living rooms. And once this framework is drawn, the student is often seen as not trying hard enough, disrespectful, manipulative, or just plain lazy.

The fundamental disconnect here is that the diagnosis of homework struggles as a behavioral choice is, in fact, only one explanation, while there are so many other diagnoses and differences that impair children's ability to consistently do their homework. If we are trying to create solutions based on only one understanding of the problem, the solutions will not work. More devastatingly, the wrong solutions can worsen the child’s mental health and their long-term engagement with school and learning.

To be clear, we aren’t talking about children who sometimes struggle with or skip homework—kids who can change and adapt their behaviors and patterns in response to the outcomes of that struggle. For this discussion, we are talking about children with mental health and/or neurodevelopmental symptoms and challenges that create chronic difficulties with meeting homework demands.

How Can You Help a Child Who Struggles with Homework?

How can you help your child who is struggling to meet homework demands because of their ADHD, depression, anxiety, OCD , school avoidance, or any other neurodevelopmental or mental health differences? Let’s break this down into two broad areas—things you can do at home, and things you can do in communication with the school.

Helping at Home

The following suggestions for managing school demands at home can feel counterintuitive to parents—because we usually focus on helping our kids to complete their tasks. But mental health needs jump the line ahead of task completion. And starting at home will be key to developing an idea of what needs to change at school.

• Set an end time in the evening after which no more homework will be attempted. Kids need time to decompress and they need sleep—and pushing homework too close to or past bedtime doesn’t serve their educational needs. Even if your child hasn’t been able to approach the homework at all, even if they have avoided and argued the whole evening, it is still important for everyone to have a predictable time to shut down the whole process.
• If there are arguments almost every night about homework, if your child isn’t starting homework or finishing it, reframe it from failure into information. It’s data to put into problem-solving. We need to consider other possible explanations besides “behavioral choice” when trying to understand the problem and create effective solutions. What problems are getting in the way of our child’s meeting homework demands that their peers are meeting most of the time?
• Try not to argue about homework. If you can check your own anxiety and frustration, it can be more productive to ally with your child and be curious with them. Kids usually can’t tell you a clear “why” but maybe they can tell you how they are feeling and what they are thinking. And if your child can’t talk about it or just keeps saying “I don't know,” try not to push. Come back another time. Rushing, forcing, yelling, and threatening will predictably not help kids do homework.

Helping at School

The second area to explore when your neurodiverse child struggles frequently with homework is building communication and connections with school and teachers. Some places to focus on include the following.

• Label your child’s diagnoses and break down specific symptoms for the teachers and school team. Nonjudgmental, but specific language is essential for teachers to understand your child’s struggles. Breaking their challenges down into the problems specific to homework can help with building solutions. As your child gets older, help them identify their difficulties and communicate them to teachers.
• Let teachers and the school team know that your child’s mental health needs—including sleep—take priority over finishing homework. If your child is always struggling to complete homework and get enough sleep, or if completing homework is leading to emotional meltdowns every night, adjusting their homework demands will be more successful than continuing to push them into sleep deprivation or meltdowns.
• Request a child study team evaluation to determine if your child qualifies for services under special education law such as an IEP, or accommodations through section 504—and be sure that homework adjustments are included in any plan. Or if such a plan is already in place, be clear that modification of homework expectations needs to be part of it.

The Long-Term Story

I still work with Chelsea and she recently mentioned how those conversations so many years ago are still part of how she approaches work tasks or other demands that are spiking her anxiety when she finds herself in a vortex of distress. She stops what she is doing and prioritizes reducing her anxiety—whether it’s a break during her day or an ending to the task for the evening. She sees that this is crucial to managing her anxiety in her life and still succeeding at what she is doing.

Task completion at all costs is not a solution for kids with emotional needs. Her story (and the story of many of my patients) make this crystal clear.

Candida Fink, M.D. , is board certified in child/adolescent and general psychiatry. She practices in New York and has co-authored two books— The Ups and Downs of Raising a Bipolar Child and Bipolar Disorder for Dummies.

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How to Stay Up All Night Doing Homework

Last Updated: March 7, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Jeremy Bartz, PhD . Dr. Jeremy Bartz is a Clinical Psychologist in private practice based in Los Angeles, California. Dr. Bartz specializes in treating depression, anxiety, OCD, mind-body syndromes, chronic pain, insomnia, relationship difficulties, attachment trauma, and resolving the effects of narcissistic trauma. He received a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Brigham Young University and completed a fellowship In Pain Psychology at Stanford's premier pain management clinic. There are 12 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 221,587 times.

Staying up all night to do homework is not advised, but sometimes it’s unavoidable. If your homework has piled up to the point that the only way to complete it is to pull an all-nighter, then make some preparations and get your head in the game. You’re in for a long night.

Getting Organized Before Your All-Nighter

• Make sure you have all the resources you’ll need –all your books, assignments and stationery.
• If it helps you to have music playing as you work, work near a speaker. But choose instrumental music to avoid being distracted by focusing on the song lyrics instead of your assignments.

• Feed your body protein rich foods, like peanut butter sandwiches, turkey sandwiches or hummus and carrots.
• Stay away from sweets; the sugar will cause you to crash.

• Put the biggest assignments that are due first near the top of the list.
• Put smaller assignments that you can complete quickly and easily near the bottom of the list. Try to do these towards the end of your night when you’re exhausted.
• Any assignment that isn’t due the next day should be completed on another night.

• Approximate how long each assignment will take you and then block off an appropriate amount of time in your night to do the work.
• Schedule high priority assignments early in the evening, when you’re still at your best.
• Schedule in a ten minute break every two hours. Use this time to get up and walk around and give your brain a break.

• Don’t nap for longer than 30 minutes. If you nap for longer than 30, you risk entering into REM sleep cycle.
• If you don’t have time for a nap, take a fifteen-minute walk outside. It will accomplish the same thing.

• Make a concrete plan of what time you’re going to begin working and stick to it. Set an alarm, if you have to.
• Turn off your phone and any other distractions that might impede you from beginning your work.

Executing Your All-Nighter

• For every caffeinated beverage you drink, drink a cup of water.
• As the night goes on, increase the time between caffeinated beverages.
• If you feel yourself falling into a slump, take a multivitamin.

• A quick workout can boost your brain's ability to learn and retain information, which will help you break through your slump.
• Don’t do a full workout – instead, do some quick exercise in the form of 10 pushups, 10 jumping jacks or 10 sit ups.

• If pinching isn’t cutting it, splash cold water on your face for an added boost.
• Lower the thermostat in your house or study area to keep your body alert.
• Take a cold shower to freeze yourself awake.

• The closer the light is to your eyes, the better, so try to work near a desk lamp or computer screen.
• Change rooms every couple of hours so your eyes don’t have time to fully adjust to the bright lights.

• Keep a stash close to your desk and dip into it whenever you feel yourself slowing down.
• Drinking mint tea is also a great way to get some added caffeine.

Staying Motivated During Your All-Nighter

• Don’t invite over a friend who only wants to talk and hang out. You need someone who will motivate you, not distract you.

• If you know you can’t go all night without checking Facebook, deactivate your account for the night. You can reactivate it as soon as all your work is done.
• Give your social media passwords to a friend or parent for the evening so you can’t break in to check your accounts.

• Use your priority list from earlier, cross each item off the list when it’s completed, then move on to the next one.

• Every time you finish an assignment, throw a five minute dance party. You’ll get some exercise in and you can listen to your favorite song.
• Give yourself five minutes to check your phone after completing an item on your to-do list.

• Take 10 - 15 minutes every two hours to grab a snack or take a walk.
• If you feel overwhelmed, take a 10 minute break to meditate.

Supercharge Your Studying with this Expert Series

Expert Q&A

Tips from our Readers

• Since you'll be using them for a prolonged period, make sure to charge up all of your electronics! If your laptop or phone dies halfway through your study sesh, it can take up some of your valuable time to re-charge them.
• If there are certain foods you know make you tired or sluggish, try to avoid them while you study. Choose food items you know for sure won't make you want to take a nap.
• If you can get any sleep at all, do so. Even if it's just a half hour to an hour, your brain can really use that time to regenerate!
• Staying up for too long can be dangerous. Do not stay awake for longer than 36 hours consecutively. Disregarding this advice can lead to sickness and possible death. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
• If you know you have this much homework, start it as early as possible or during lunch or other down times at school. Starting the homework at 4:00 PM is better than doing it at 4:00 AM! Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0

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• ↑ https://www.uopeople.edu/blog/find-a-quiet-place-to-study/
• ↑ https://au.reachout.com/articles/foods-that-help-our-brain-study
• ↑ https://www.fnu.edu/7-techniques-improve-study-habits/
• ↑ https://learningcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/studying-101-study-smarter-not-harder/
• ↑ https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/food-features/coffee/
• ↑ https://www.apu.edu/articles/6-crucial-study-habits-for-college-students/
• ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/healthy-living/how-to-start-exercising-and-stick-to-it.htm
• ↑ https://students.ubc.ca/ubclife/pull-all-nighter-if-you-have
• ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/finding-new-home/201905/chew-or-not-chew-gum-when-studying
• ↑ https://www.fnu.edu/10-reasons-form-study-group/
• ↑ https://psychcentral.com/blog/psychology-rewarding-yourself-with-treats
• ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/your-future-self/201804/giving-yourself-break

About This Article

If you need to stay up all night doing homework, there are a few ways to help you stay as productive as possible. First, break down your work into smaller tasks and write a schedule to cover everything. Make sure you take regular breaks to walk around and refresh yourself. You should also turn off your phone, log out of your social media accounts, and avoid any other distractions to help you focus. Keep the main lights on in your room and open a window, which will help you stay awake. You’ll probably need caffeine and some healthy snacks, like fruit and nuts, to keep you going. Just make sure you spread them out over the night so you don’t crash after a few hours. For more study tips, including how to do a coffee nap to wake yourself up, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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The Truth About Homework Stress: What Parents & Students Need to Know

• Fact Checked

Written by:

published on:

• December 21, 2023

Updated on:

• January 9, 2024

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Homework is generally given out to ensure that students take time to review and remember the days lessons. It can help improve on a student’s general performance and enhance traits like self-discipline and independent problem solving.

Parents are able to see what their children are doing in school, while also helping teachers determine how well the lesson material is being learned. Homework is quite beneficial when used the right way and can improve student  performance.

This well intentioned practice can turn sour if it’s not handled the right way. Studies show that if a student is inundated with too much homework, not only do they get lower scores, but they are more likely to get stressed.

The age at which homework stress is affecting students is getting lower, some even as low as kindergarten. Makes you wonder what could a five year old possibly need to review as homework?

One of the speculated reasons for this stress is that the complexity of what a student is expected to learn is increasing, while the breaks for working out excess energy are reduced. Students are getting significantly more homework than recommended by the education leaders, some even nearly three times more.

To make matters worse, teachers may give homework that is both time consuming and will keep students busy while being totally non-productive.

Remedial work like telling students to copy notes word for word from their text books will  do nothing to improve their grades or help them progress. It just adds unnecessary stress.

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Effects of homework stress at home

Both parents and students tend to get stressed out at the beginning of a new school year due to the impending arrival of homework.

Nightly battles centered on finishing assignments are a household routine in houses with students.

Research has found that too much homework can negatively affect children. In creating a lack of balance between play time and time spent doing homework, a child can get headaches, sleep deprivation or even ulcers.

And homework stress doesn’t just impact grade schoolers. College students are also affected, and the stress is affecting their academic performance.

Even the parent’s confidence in their abilities to help their children with homework suffers due increasing stress levels in the household.

Fights and conflict over homework are more likely in families where parents do not have at least a college degree. When the child needs assistance, they have to turn to their older siblings who might already be bombarded with their own homework.

Parents who have a college degree feel more confident in approaching the school and discussing the appropriate amount of school work.

“It seems that homework being assigned discriminates against parents who don’t have college degree, parents who have English as their second language and against parents who are poor.” Said Stephanie Donaldson Pressman, the contributing editor of the study and clinical director of the New England Center for Pediatric Psychology.

With all the stress associated with homework, it’s not surprising that some parents have opted not to let their children do homework. Parents that have instituted a no-homework policy have stated that it has taken a lot of the stress out of their evenings.

The recommended amount homework

The standard endorsed by the National Education Association is called the “10 minute rule”; 10 minutes per grade level per night. This recommendation was made after a number of studies were done on the effects of too much homework on families.

The 10 minute rule basically means 10 minutes of homework in the first grade, 20 minute for the second grade all the way up to 120 minutes for senior year in high school. Note that no homework is endorsed in classes under the first grade.

Parents reported first graders were spending around half an hour on homework each night, and kindergarteners spent 25 minutes a night on assignments according to a study carried out by Brown University.

Making a five year old sit still for half an hour is very difficult as they are at the age where they just want to move around and play.

A child who is exposed to 4-5 hours of homework after school is less likely to find the time to go out and play with their friends, which leads to accumulation of stress energy in the body.

Their social life also suffers because between the time spent at school and doing homework, a child will hardly have the time to pursue hobbies. They may also develop a negative attitude towards learning.

The research highlighted that 56% of students consider homework a primary source of stress.

And if you’re curious how the U.S stacks up against other countries in regards to how much time children spend on homework, it’s pretty high on the list .

Signs to look out for on a student that has homework stress

Since not every student is affected by homework stress in the same way, it’s important to be aware of some of the signs your child might be mentally drained from too much homework.

Here are some common signs of homework stress:

• Sleep disturbances
• Frequent stomachaches and headaches
• Decreased appetite or changed eating habits
• New or recurring fears
• Not able to relax
• Regressing to behavior they had when younger
• Bursts of anger crying or whining
• Becoming withdrawn while others may become clingy
• Drastic changes in academic performance
• Having trouble concentrating or completing homework
• Constantly complains about their ability to do homework

If you’re a parent and notice any of these signs in your child, step in to find out what’s going on and if homework is the source of their stress.

If you’re a student, pay attention if you start experiencing any of these symptoms as a result of your homework load. Don’t be afraid to ask your teacher or parents for help if the stress of homework becomes too much for you.

What parents do wrong when it comes to homework stress

Most parents push their children to do more and be more, without considering the damage being done by this kind of pressure.

Some think that homework brought home is always something the children can deal with on their own. If the child cannot handle their homework then these parents get angry and make the child feel stupid.

This may lead to more arguing and increased dislike of homework in the household. Ultimately the child develops an even worse attitude towards homework.

Another common mistake parents make is never questioning the amount of homework their children get, or how much time they spend on it. It’s easy to just assume whatever the teacher assigned is adequate, but as we mentioned earlier, that’s not always the case.

Be proactive and involved with your child’s homework. If you notice they’re spending hours every night on homework, ask them about it. Just because they don’t complain doesn’t mean there isn’t a problem.

How can parents help?

• While every parent wants their child to become successful and achieve the very best, it’s important to pull back on the mounting pressure and remember that they’re still just kids. They need time out to release their stress and connect with other children.
• Many children may be afraid to admit that they’re overwhelmed by homework because they might be misconstrued as failures. The best thing a parent can do is make home a safe place for children to express themselves freely. You can do this by lending a listening ear and not judging your kids.
• Parents can also take the initiative to let the school know that they’re unhappy with the amount of homework being given. Even if you don’t feel comfortable complaining, you can approach the school through the parent-teacher association available and request your representative to plead your case.
• It may not be all the subjects that are causing your child to get stressed. Parents should find out if there is a specific subject of homework that is causing stress. You could also consult with other parents to see what they can do to fix the situation. It may be the amount or the content that causes stress, so the first step is identifying the problem.
• Work with your child to create a schedule for getting homework done on time. You can set a specific period of time for homework, and schedule time for other activities too. Strike a balance between work and play.
• Understanding that your child is stressed about homework doesn’t mean you have to allow them not to try. Let them sit down and work on it as much as they’re able to, and recruit help from the older siblings or a neighbor if possible.
• Check out these resources to help your child with their homework .

The main idea here is to not abolish homework completely, but to review the amount and quality of homework being given out. Stress, depression and lower grades are the last things parents want for their children.

The schools and parents need to work together to find a solution to this obvious problem.

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Why Does School Make Me So Tired? The Science Behind Feeling Exhausted At School

Feeling constantly exhausted at school is an extremely common experience for students of all ages. If you find yourself struggling to stay awake in class, unable to focus, or drained of energy when you get home, you’re not alone.

In this comprehensive article, we’ll explore the complex reasons why school can be so tiring and provide science-backed solutions to help you combat fatigue and boost your energy levels.

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: School is mentally and physically draining due to long hours, heavy workloads, stress, lack of sleep, poor nutrition, and insufficient physical activity .

Lengthy School Days and Heavy Workloads Cause Mental Fatigue

It’s no secret that school can be exhausting. From early morning alarms to late-night study sessions, students often find themselves feeling drained and fatigued. But why does school make us so tired? The answer lies in the combination of lengthy school days and heavy workloads.

School days are long with little break time

One of the main reasons why school can leave students feeling exhausted is the long hours spent in the classroom. Many schools have lengthy schedules that stretch from early morning to late afternoon, leaving little time for breaks and relaxation.

This continuous mental engagement can be mentally draining and lead to fatigue.

Research has shown that taking short breaks throughout the day can improve focus and productivity. However, due to tight schedules and a packed curriculum, students often have limited opportunities for downtime.

The lack of break time can lead to mental exhaustion and make it difficult for students to maintain their energy levels throughout the day.

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Heavy homework load and studying demands

Another contributing factor to feeling tired at school is the heavy workload and studying demands placed on students. In addition to the hours spent in the classroom, students often have a significant amount of homework and assignments to complete outside of school hours.

The pressure to excel academically and meet deadlines can lead to late nights filled with studying and completing assignments. This can result in a lack of sleep and leave students feeling physically and mentally drained.

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The constant juggling of schoolwork and extracurricular activities can also add to the feeling of exhaustion.

It’s important for students to find a balance between their schoolwork and personal time to prevent burnout. Implementing effective time management strategies and seeking support from teachers and parents can help alleviate some of the workload and reduce mental fatigue.

Constant switching between subjects and tasks is mentally taxing

Another factor that contributes to feeling tired at school is the constant switching between subjects and tasks. Students are often required to transition from one class to another, dealing with different subject matter and teaching styles throughout the day.

This constant mental shifting can be mentally taxing and make it challenging to maintain focus and concentration. It can be likened to switching gears in a car; each time you switch, there is a brief period of adjustment before you can fully engage with the new task or subject.

Research has shown that frequent task switching can lead to decreased productivity and increased mental fatigue . Finding strategies to improve focus and minimize distractions can help students better cope with the demands of switching between subjects and tasks.

School Stress and Anxiety Drain Your Energy

Feeling tired and exhausted at school is a common problem that many students experience. The demanding academic environment, combined with social pressures and a lack of downtime, can take a toll on students’ physical and mental well-being.

Understanding the science behind why school makes you tired can help you find strategies to manage your energy levels and thrive in the classroom.

Academic pressure and performance worries

One of the main reasons why school can make you feel tired is the academic pressure and performance worries that come with it. The constant need to meet deadlines, perform well on exams, and maintain high grades can create a significant amount of stress and anxiety.

This stress response activates the body’s fight-or-flight mechanism , leading to increased adrenaline and cortisol levels, which can leave you feeling drained and fatigued.

Excessive academic stress can negatively impact sleep patterns, leading to disrupted sleep and insufficient rest. This can further contribute to feelings of tiredness and exhaustion during the school day.

Social and peer pressure

Aside from academic pressures, social and peer pressures can also contribute to feeling tired at school . The need to fit in, make friends, and navigate social dynamics can be overwhelming for many students.

Constantly worrying about what others think of you or trying to meet societal expectations can be mentally and emotionally draining.

Social stressors can lead to increased fatigue and decreased motivation . The pressure to conform, fear of rejection, and the emotional energy required to navigate social interactions can leave students feeling mentally exhausted, making it even more challenging to focus and concentrate in class.

Overscheduling and lack of downtime

In today’s fast-paced world, many students find themselves overscheduled with extracurricular activities, part-time jobs, and various commitments . While these activities can be enriching, they can also leave little time for relaxation and downtime.

Constantly being on the go without sufficient breaks can lead to physical and mental fatigue.

A lack of downtime can disrupt the body’s natural rest and recovery processes, resulting in decreased energy levels and increased tiredness. It is crucial for students to prioritize self-care and make time for activities that recharge their energy, such as hobbies, relaxation exercises, and quality sleep.

To combat the fatigue caused by overscheduling, it is important for students to practice effective time management and prioritize their commitments . Learning to say “no” when necessary and setting boundaries can help create a balanced schedule that allows for adequate rest and rejuvenation.

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Lack of Quality Sleep Impacts Focus and Energy Levels

One of the main reasons why school can make students feel tired is a lack of quality sleep. Many students struggle to get enough sleep due to various factors, and this can have a significant impact on their focus and energy levels throughout the day.

Early wake up times and natural sleep cycles

One factor that contributes to the lack of quality sleep for students is the early wake up times. Many schools start early in the morning, which means students often have to wake up before their natural sleep cycle is complete.

This can disrupt their sleep patterns and leave them feeling groggy and tired during the day.

Sleep deprivation from homework and activities

In addition to early wake up times, students often have a heavy workload and extracurricular activities that can cut into their sleep time. The pressure to complete homework assignments and participate in after-school activities can lead to sleep deprivation , which can negatively impact their overall well-being and ability to concentrate in class.

Effects of sleep deprivation on cognitive function

Sleep deprivation has been shown to have a significant impact on cognitive function. When students don’t get enough sleep, their ability to focus, concentrate, and retain information is greatly affected.

This can make it difficult for them to perform well academically and can contribute to feelings of exhaustion and fatigue.

According to Sleep Foundation , teenagers need between 8-10 hours of sleep per night to function at their best. However, studies have shown that the majority of teenagers are not getting enough sleep on a regular basis.

This lack of quality sleep can have a detrimental effect on their overall health and well-being.

It is important for schools, parents, and students themselves to recognize the importance of getting enough sleep and take steps to prioritize and improve sleep quality.

Establishing consistent bedtime routines, creating a sleep-friendly environment, and managing time effectively can all contribute to better sleep habits and ultimately help to combat the exhaustion that many students feel during the school day.

Nutrition Affects Energy Levels Throughout the Day

One of the primary reasons why school can make students feel tired is due to the impact of nutrition on energy levels. The foods we consume play a vital role in providing the necessary fuel for our bodies and brains to function optimally.

When it comes to school, there are several ways in which nutrition can affect energy levels throughout the day.

Blood sugar crashes from inadequate breakfast

Skipping breakfast or having an inadequate one can lead to blood sugar crashes, which can leave students feeling tired and sluggish. Breakfast is often referred to as the most important meal of the day because it replenishes the glucose levels that provide energy to the brain.

When students don’t eat a nutritious breakfast, their blood sugar levels can drop, affecting their concentration and leaving them feeling fatigued.

Poor dietary habits and unhealthy school lunches

Unhealthy dietary habits, such as consuming sugary snacks or drinks throughout the day, can also contribute to feeling tired at school. These foods may provide a quick energy boost, but they are often followed by a crash, leaving students feeling even more tired than before.

Additionally, many schools offer lunches that are high in processed foods and lacking in essential nutrients. These unhealthy school lunches can contribute to fatigue and a lack of energy.

Dehydration and effects on fatigue

Dehydration is another factor that can contribute to feeling tired at school. When the body is dehydrated, it can lead to a decrease in blood volume and a reduction in the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the brain and muscles. This can result in fatigue and a lack of energy.

It is important for students to stay hydrated throughout the day by drinking water regularly.

Ensuring proper nutrition and hydration is essential for maintaining optimal energy levels throughout the school day. By consuming a balanced breakfast, making healthy food choices, and staying hydrated, students can combat fatigue and feel more energized to tackle their academic responsibilities.

Insufficient Physical Activity Reduces Energy

One of the key reasons why school can make students feel tired is the lack of physical activity. Many students lead sedentary lifestyles, spending hours sitting in classrooms and doing homework. This lack of movement can lead to a decrease in energy levels.

Sedentary lifestyle and hours of sitting

Students spend a significant amount of time sitting at their desks during school hours. This sedentary lifestyle can contribute to feelings of exhaustion. When the body remains inactive for long periods, blood circulation slows down, making it harder for oxygen and nutrients to reach the brain and muscles.

As a result, students may experience fatigue and reduced energy levels.

Limited gym and recess time

Another factor that can contribute to tiredness at school is the limited time allocated for physical activity. With the increasing focus on academics, schools often reduce gym and recess time to make more room for classroom instruction.

However, this reduction in physical activity opportunities can have negative effects on students’ energy levels. Regular exercise helps increase blood flow and release endorphins, which are natural mood boosters that can improve focus and energy.

Benefits of exercise on energy and focus

Engaging in regular physical activity has been proven to have numerous benefits on energy and focus. Exercise increases blood flow to the brain, delivering more oxygen and nutrients that are essential for optimal cognitive functioning .

It also stimulates the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, which enhance mood and improve focus. Students who participate in regular exercise tend to have higher energy levels and are more alert and attentive in class.

According to the American Heart Association , children and adolescents should engage in at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity every day . This can include activities like walking, running, playing sports, or participating in dance classes.

By incorporating more physical activity into their daily routines, students can combat fatigue and enhance their overall energy levels, leading to improved performance at school.

Tips and Solutions for Combating School Fatigue

Get organized and improve time management.

One of the reasons why school can make you feel tired is because of poor time management skills and disorganization. By getting organized, you can reduce stress and increase productivity. Create a schedule or to-do list to prioritize your tasks.

Break down larger assignments into smaller, more manageable tasks. Utilize tools like planners or digital calendars to stay on top of deadlines and important dates. By managing your time effectively, you can alleviate some of the fatigue caused by feeling overwhelmed.

Set sleep schedule and sleep hygiene habits

Sleep plays a crucial role in maintaining energy levels and overall well-being. It is important to establish a consistent sleep schedule and practice good sleep hygiene habits . Aim for the recommended 8-10 hours of sleep each night.

Create a calming bedtime routine, such as reading a book or taking a warm bath, to signal to your body that it is time to relax. Avoid using electronic devices before bed, as the blue light emitted can disrupt your sleep.

Additionally, ensure your sleep environment is comfortable, quiet, and dark to promote better sleep quality.

Fuel up with protein-rich breakfast and snacks

What you eat can greatly impact your energy levels throughout the day. Start your day off right by fueling up with a protein-rich breakfast. Protein helps to keep you feeling fuller for longer and provides sustained energy.

Incorporate snacks throughout the day that are high in protein, such as nuts, yogurt, or hard-boiled eggs. Avoid sugary snacks or foods high in refined carbohydrates, as they can cause energy crashes and fatigue.

Stay hydrated and limit sugary drinks

Dehydration can lead to fatigue and decreased cognitive function. Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated. Carry a water bottle with you to school and take sips regularly.

Avoid excessive consumption of sugary drinks, such as soda or energy drinks , as they can cause energy spikes followed by crashes. Opt for water or unsweetened beverages to keep your energy levels stable.

Incorporate exercise and movement breaks

Physical activity has been shown to increase energy levels and improve focus. I ncorporate exercise into your daily routine, whether it’s going for a walk, participating in a sport, or doing a workout video. Additionally, take regular movement breaks during school hours.

Stand up, stretch, and walk around to get your blood flowing and combat feelings of fatigue. Even a short burst of activity can help re-energize you and improve your concentration.

Practice stress management and self-care

Stress can contribute to feelings of exhaustion. Find healthy ways to manage stress and take care of yourself. Engage in activities that you enjoy and help you relax, such as reading, listening to music, or practicing mindfulness or meditation. Make time for hobbies and socializing with friends.

Prioritize self-care by getting enough rest, taking breaks when needed, and setting boundaries to avoid burnout. By managing stress and practicing self-care, you can alleviate some of the fatigue associated with school.

Feeling tired at school is incredibly common due to the demanding nature of academics and school life. By understanding the key reasons behind school fatigue, such as long hours, workloads, stress, lack of sleep, poor nutrition, and inactivity, you can begin to make lifestyle changes to boost your energy.

Implementing solutions like better time management, more sleep, healthy eating, proper hydration, regular exercise, and stress relief will help you feel focused and energetic throughout the school day.

Maria Sanchez is the founder of the Save Our Schools March blog. As a former teacher and parent, she is passionate about equitable access to quality public education. Maria created the blog to build awareness around education issues and solutions after organizing a local march for public schools.

With a Master's in Education, Maria taught high school English before leaving her career to raise a family. As a parent, she became concerned about underfunded schools and over-testing. These experiences drove Maria to become an education advocate.

On the blog, Maria provides resources and policy insights from the dual perspective of an informed parent and former teacher. She aims to inspire others to join the movement for quality, equitable public education. Maria lives with her family in [city, state].

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Home » Why You are Tired » Why Does School Make Me So Tired – 9 Reasons and Fixing tips

Why Does School Make Me So Tired – 9 Reasons and Fixing tips

September 14, 2023

It’s common for students to feel mentally drained or ready for a nap after a full day of learning and concentrating in class. However, many students experience persistent exhaustion that goes beyond normal end-of-day fatigue. Feeling completely depleted both physically and emotionally day after day is not normal.

This article explores the prevalent reasons academics can sap students’ energy. It outlines the negative effects severe tiredness has on health, school performance, activities and happiness. Finally, you’ll find helpful solutions to fight school-related fatigue so you can thrive as a student and still have energy left when the final bell rings.

Table of Contents

Is This Level of Fatigue Normal for Students?

It’s perfectly understandable to feel a bit foggy or ready to relax after lots of instruction, lectures, note-taking, testing, and critical thinking throughout the day. In fact, research shows our mental stamina and focus naturally drain as the day progresses.

However, the following symptoms on a regular basis may indicate excessive, abnormal tiredness:

• Feeling exhausted immediately after your last class
• Strong urge to take a nap as soon as you get home
• Completely drained both physically and mentally
• Ongoing lack of motivation and difficulty concentrating

While some end-of-day tiredness is expected, feeling completely wiped out day after day suggests you should look at aspects of school life that may be contributing to fatigue.

Key Reasons School Zaps Your Energy

There are several primary causes that explain why sitting through school day after day can feel so tiring:

1. Insufficient Sleep

Not getting adequate sleep is perhaps the single biggest reason school is exhausting. Teens need 8-10 hours of consistent sleep per night. But studies reveal that most adolescents fall short:

Staying up late studying, increased social media and technology use at night, early school start times, and natural shifts in circadian rhythms during puberty all undermine teens’ sleep. Just a few nights of limited sleep builds a sleep debt that’s difficult to recover from within the confines of a school week. Showing up to school each day lacking sleep leaves you fighting fatigue from the start.

2. Heavy Cognitive Workload

The intense mental workload and academic pressure of middle school and high school demand a lot of brainpower. Hours of concentration required for classes, homework, testing, projects, and other assignments drain mental energy. It’s understandable that exerting so much mental effort day after day is tiring.

Teen brains are still developing, so focusing for prolonged periods depletes resources. Demands to multitask different subjects and manage complex information leaves many students feeling cognitively taxed.

3. Physical Inactivity

Insufficient physical activity is another contributor to students feeling depleted. Teens should get at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity daily. However, studies reveal only about 20% of high schoolers meet this recommendation.

With most of the school day spent sitting, followed by more sedentary time from homework and screens, teens remain largely inactive. This sedentary lifestyle prevents the energizing effects of regular exercise.

4. Poor Nutrition

The typical teenage diet often falls short nutritionally, negatively impacting energy levels. Many students consume diets high in processed foods, fast food, sugary snacks and beverages, caffeine, and few fruits and vegetables. These food choices lead to crashes and fatigue.

Skipping breakfast is also more prevalent among teens who cite morning laziness or lack of time. Starting the day without fuel makes focusing through morning classes much more challenging. Ensuring adequate nutrition is key to avoiding that midday school slump.

5. Stress and Anxiety

Surveys reveal high rates of school-related stress and anxiety among today’s students compared to past generations. Stress powerfully saps mental and physical energy.

Juggling academic pressure, social drama, family issues, life transitions like puberty, technology overload, and the 24/7 news cycle weighs heavily on teenage mental health. High stress and anxiety may manifest physically as fatigue.

6. Learning Challenges

Students with certain learning disorders like ADHD, dyslexia, or auditory processing issues must exert more effort than their peers to stay engaged during lessons. Those with special needs or learning disabilities are particularly prone to cognitive overload and burnout from the constant extra effort required to keep up. Support services like 504 Plan accommodations and special education aid can help minimize fatigue for these students.

7. Health Issues

Various medical conditions can also increase fatigue, making school days feel more exhausting.

For example, anemia causes tiredness from low iron and oxygen. Asthma may worsen from stress and environmental triggers at school. Sleep disorders like sleep apnea disturb restorative sleep. Chronic illnesses, infections like mono, and medications or treatments can also play a role.

If fatigue persists even with good sleep, nutrition and exercise, visiting your doctor is wise to determine if an underlying health issue needs treatment.

8. Start Times Too Early

Scientific research confirms that early school start times do not align with teens’ natural circadian rhythms and sleep needs. Having to wake up extra early for first period directly robs students of critical sleep. Later school start times allow teens to sleep in accordance with their biological clocks. Yet most American middle and high schools still start early, typically between 7:30-8:30 am. These early bell times fight against teens’ sleep requirements and leave many starting the day already sleep deprived.

9. Extracurricular Overload

Being highly involved in academics, sports, clubs, arts, volunteer work and other activities imparts valuable experiences but also strains time and energy, especially if you overdo it. Attempting to balance overflowing extracurricular schedules on top of schoolwork cuts into much needed downtime to recharge. Learning to set limits on involvement helps manage fatigue.

All of these factors interact to drain students’ mental and physical reserves and explain why merely getting through each school day can feel so tiring compared to other life stages.

The Negative Effects of Feeling Too Tired at School

Being excessively tired at school doesn’t just leave you longing for nap time. Ongoing fatigue can seriously impact students in the following areas:

Physical Effects

• Weakened immune system and increased illnesses
• Weight gain from inactivity and poor diet
• Muscle loss and feeling physically weak

Mental Effects

• Poor concentration, focus and memory
• Lack of motivation and feelings of burnout
• Increased irritability, anxiety and sadness

Academic Performance

• Poorer comprehension and retention of material
• Decline in test scores and grades
• Trouble staying awake and focused in class

Social Life/Extracurriculars

• Loss of interest in clubs, sports, arts activities
• Skipping social outings with friends
• Giving up hobbies and passions

Severe tiredness clearly takes a toll on all aspects of a student’s life. Let’s go over some solutions to help you defeat fatigue.

Tips for Overcoming School-Related Fatigue

Here are some of the most effective strategies for combating tiredness caused by school:

Prioritize Sleep Habits

• Aim for 8-10 hours nightly  to meet sleep needs for teens.
• Maintain a consistent sleep schedule , even weekends. An inconsistent schedule confuses your body clock.
• Limit screen time before bed  since electronics delay melatonin release and disrupt sleep cycles.
• Establish a relaxing pre-bed routine  like reading fiction, listening to calm music, meditating, or taking a warm shower.
• Evaluate your sleep environment  and optimize conditions like mattresses, temperature, lighting and noise that affect sleep quality.

Improve Nutrition

• Eat regular balanced meals and snacks . Focus on whole foods – produce, nuts, yogurt, eggs, meat, fish. Avoid empty junk food.
• Stay hydrated  by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Dehydration worsens fatigue.
• Never skip breakfast!  Fuel up in the morning to concentrate all morning.
• Consume portable protein-rich snacks between classes  like nuts, hard boiled eggs, Greek yogurt, protein bars or shakes. Pair with fruit or veggies.
• Limit added sugar and sweetened beverages  to avoid blood sugar surges and crashes.

Take Regular Activity Breaks

• Make time to exercise daily , even just 20-30 minutes of walking, jogging, biking, dance, sports, etc.
• Walk or bike to school  when possible for an energizing morning boost.
• Take short movement breaks during long classes.  Do some seated stretches, knee raises or jog in place. Moving ignites energy.
• Stand and walk around between classes  rather than sitting the whole break. Changing positions wakes you up.

Practice Stress Management Techniques

• Learn mindfulness practices  like belly breathing, guided imagery, grounding strategies. Use these to reset when stressed. Apps like Calm can teach mindfulness.
• Identify and reframe negative thoughts  that magnify stress. Challenge distorted thinking through journaling, meditation and self-talk.
• Share feelings and connect with empathetic friends and mentors  for social support.
• Take mini self-care breaks  during the school day listing things you’re grateful for or writing positive affirmations.
• Get adequate sleep  to reinforce resilience against stress.

Set Limits Around Extracurriculars

• Assess which activities energize you and which drain you.  Consider cutting back on those depleting you.
• Decline non-essential obligations.  Don’t overschedule yourself.
• Alternate lighter and more demanding days  so you have some time to recharge.
• Build in downtime  each day to relax and do activities you enjoy, not just schoolwork.

See Your Doctor if Needed

Consult your physician if:

• You sleep sufficiently but still feel exhausted
• Fatigue impairs school performance
• You fall asleep unintentionally
• You experience sudden fatigue changes unrelated to lifestyle
• Exhaustion occurs alongside other concerning symptoms like appetite changes or fainting

Describe your fatigue, sleep habits, academic workload, and any other symptoms. Bloodwork can check for potential issues like anemia or thyroid disorders. A sleep study can assess for sleep disorders like apnea. Medical causes may be behind hard to treat fatigue.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. is it normal to feel tired after a full day at school.

It’s very common to feel a bit mentally fatigued after hours of lessons, concentrating, learning and testing. But feeling completely physically and emotionally depleted daily after school is too extreme and often indicates inadequate sleep, nutrition, or poor stress management.

2. How many hours of sleep do teenagers need?

Teenagers typically need around 8-10 hours of quality sleep per night for optimal academic performance, concentration, memory, mood, and daytime energy. Prioritizing consistent sufficient sleep is key to avoiding severe tiredness during school.

3. What’s the best diet for energy at school?

Eat regular balanced meals and snacks containing complex carbs, lean protein, fruits, vegetables and healthy fats. Drink plenty of water. Limit sugar and refined carbs which lead to energy crashes. Eat a solid nutritious breakfast each morning.

4. Should I drop extracurricular activities if I’m always tired?

Overscheduling extracurricular and social commitments on top of schoolwork is a common cause of fatigue. It’s OK to cut back on nonessential activities if you feel burned out. Protect time for sleep, relaxing, and focusing on academics before overfilling your schedule.

5. How can I motivate myself when I’m too tired to study?

Make studying more engaging by studying with classmates, taking short movement breaks, chewing gum, listening to music, and rewarding yourself between tasks. Talk to your doctor if lack of motivation, concentration, or feelings of depression are worsening fatigue. Prioritize sleep, diet, and stress management as well.

It’s common to feel a little mentally drained after school, but feeling completely exhausted day after day is a red flag. Ensure you get sufficient sleep, nutrition, exercise and downtime. Evaluate your workload and commitments. Address any emotional pressures or health issues contributing to fatigue as well. Adopting a few key lifestyle habits can help transform school from tiring to inspiring!

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10 Ideas – How to do Homework when Tired?

Being a student is tough. You have to juggle many different balls, and sometimes it can feel like you’re never going to get everything done. One of the things that can suffer when you’re feeling overwhelmed is your homework.

It can be hard to motivate yourself to do your best work when you’re tired, but there are some things you can do to help you get through it.

Table of Contents

1. Get organized

Getting organized is the first step to doing your homework when you’re tired. This means having a plan and knowing what you need to do. Break your homework down into smaller tasks that you can tackle one at a time. This will make the process seem less daunting and easier to start.

2. Set a timer

Once you know what you need to do, set a timer for each task. This will help you stay on track and focus on the task. Work for the allotted time and then take a break before moving on to the next task. You can use a kitchen timer, your phone, or a website like RescueTime.

3. Get comfortable

The first step to being able to do homework when tired is to get comfortable. This means finding a comfortable place to sit or lie down, ensuring enough light to see, and having all the materials you need within easy reach. Once you are physically comfortable, focusing on the task at hand will be easier.

4. Take breaks

If you find yourself struggling to focus, it may be helpful to take breaks. Get up, walk around, drink water, or snack on something healthy to help you re-energize. Just be sure not to take too long of a break – you don’t want to fall behind on your work. Breaks can be helpful, but they should be used sparingly.

5. Create a homework routine

One of the best ways to ensure you do your homework even when you’re tired is to create a homework routine. Decide on a time each day to sit down and do your work, and stick to it as much as possible. This will help your body and mind get into a “homework mode” and make it easier to focus.

6. Listen to music

Listening to calming, relaxing music can help you focus and block distractions. If you find yourself getting too sleepy, try music with a faster tempo to help you stay awake. Music can also help to drown out any background noise that might distract you. Please don’t listen to music with lyrics, as it can be more distracting than helpful.

7. Limit distractions

When trying to do homework, it’s important to limit distractions. This means turning off your phone, closing social media tabs, and anything else that might take away from your focus. Getting distracted will only make it harder to finish your work. Distractions can also lead to procrastination, so it’s best to avoid them altogether.

8. Work in short bursts

If you’re finding it hard to focus on homework for long periods, try working in short bursts instead. Set a timer for 30 minutes and work on your assignment until the timer goes off. Then take a 5-10 minute break before starting again.

This can help your brain stay fresh and focused for extended periods. Don’t forget to take a more extended break every hour to avoid burnout.

9. Get enough sleep

One of the best things you can do for your homework is to get enough sleep. Ensure you get at least 8 hours of sleep each night to be at your best during the day. A tired brain is not a productive brain, so getting enough rest is crucial.

The occasional all-nighter may be necessary, but try to avoid making it a habit. Ensure you have a proper sleep schedule to help you be at your best daily.

10. Talk to your teacher

If you’re having trouble with homework, don’t be afraid to talk to your teacher. They can give tips on managing your time and focusing on your work . They may also be able to offer some extensions or alternate assignments that can help you succeed.

You shouldn’t be afraid to ask for help – your teachers want you to succeed. If you’re struggling, reach out and ask for assistance.

Should I Be Worried If I Can’t Focus On My Homework?

If you’re finding it hard to focus on your homework, you must talk to your teacher or tutor. They can help you figure out a plan to get your work done. You should only be worried if you’re not trying to do your homework.

Some medical conditions that can make it hard to focus include ADHD, anxiety, and depression. If you think you might have one of these conditions, talk to your doctor.

I’m Exhausted, But I Have A Test Tomorrow. What Should I Do?

If you’re tired but have a test tomorrow, there are a few things you can do to make sure you’re prepared. First, take a break. Get up and walk around, have a snack, or take a nap.

Once you’re feeling refreshed, start by reviewing your notes from class. If you have any questions, ask a friend or your teacher. Next, take some practice tests. There are many online, or you can make your own. Finally, get a good night’s sleep!

Does Listening To Music Help When Doing Homework?

Listening to music can help you focus and block out distractions. If you get too sleepy, try listening to music with a fast tempo or instrumentals. Music with lyrics can be a distraction, so it’s best to avoid those if you’re trying to focus on your homework. The music that helps you focus depends on the individual, so experiment with different genres and tempos to find what works best for you.

How Can I Make Sure I’m Not Working Too Much?

Taking breaks is essential when doing homework so you don’t get too overwhelmed. Get up and walk around, have a snack, or take a few minutes to talk to a friend. You should also try working in short bursts instead of long periods. Set a timer for 30 minutes and work on your homework until the timer goes off. Then take a 5-10 minute break before starting again. This can help your brain to stay fresh and focused.

What If I Have Trouble Understanding The Material?

Talk to your teacher or tutor if you’re having trouble understanding the material. They can help explain the concepts differently or give you some tips on how to study the material. You can also try looking up videos or articles about the topic. Sometimes seeing the material in a different format can help you understand it better. Finally, don’t be afraid to ask for help from friends or family.

Doing homework can be challenging, but there are things you can do to make it easier. First, ensure you have a quiet and comfortable place to work. Next, try listening to music or using a timer to help you focus. Finally, take breaks, and don’t be afraid to ask for help if you’re struggling. With these tips, you can make homework time a little bit easier.

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Homework Make Me Sleepy – Why & How to Solve it

School & college homework make me sleepy. Many of the students ask the reason behind this. student life is awesome but once they start dealing with homework, it turns out that school isn’t as fun as they were assured.

When they get older and turn out to be freshmen in high school or college, the homework becomes a real headache . When they try to do homework then homework makes them sleepy. Here in this post, we will provide some good tips and homework assistance to cope up with the homework.

Why does doing homework make me sleepy ?

Take long sleep to maintain energy to do homework, systematize your workplace, eat a nice snack in little quantity, take short breaks, does your homework make you sleepy take help of experts of students assignment help.

There might be several various reasons:

• A variety of unusual tasks to do prior to you can get to your schoolwork.
• Your lifestyle isn’t well.
• The work you have to carry out doesn’t concern you.

At first sight , it may seem extremely disappointing and hard to deal with the diversion. But, as soon as you get organized and find the proper motivation, your homework will stop being such a problem.

The most ordinary and important thing that scholars suffer from is inappropriate sleep. If your youngster is sleeping for only five or six hours at night, it is a foundation of major concern. An excellent eight or nine hours sleep is vital to start the day on a high note, be creative and stay active whether studying, engaging in additional activities in school or showing the right signs of fascinating all post-school at the house.

Here is a tip on how to have the energy to do homework when students sustain wakefulness for long, the working level of the mind & the body cannot remain set in the best level for long. So ensuring excellent sleep is a must. Good sleep leads to an excellent immune system and adds loads of freshness to your body & brain

How to Manage Your Work efficiently and Stay Fresh

When you are falling asleep while doing homework, it can be useful for you to eat a healthy snack which is full of sugars. This good snack can be something like juice as juice, while it is purported as something extremely healthy, usually contains an very high amount of sugars which make it a bad decision for those who desire to unwind and go to sleep at the ideal decision for those who were struggling to get their work completed and need to stay awake logically.

 Coffee is one more alternative as it is green tea. Green tea can be originated in caffeinated, and I’m caffeinated varieties. Version with caffeine is just as helpful in terms of the antioxidants they present, which make them a possible alternative to unsafe energy beverages.

So besides getting the caffeine and the jolt of power these caffeinated green teas bring with them antioxidants that assist your body to eliminate free radicals & by extension assist your brain to superior focus. Students can also consider doing my homework services to write their homework and live life easily. Every individual has their personal methods to deal with boring and annoying tasks.

Here is a list of several basic tips how to focus on homework when tired hints, which will be useful for you:

When you start a school assignment ensure you have the whole thing you require and all the needless items are put away. Put all your books & worksheets in the precise order you’re going to utilize them. Organize the stationery you’ll require. Sit comfortable and ensure you have sufficient room on your desk. Have adequate light so that it won’t trouble your eyes.

As mentioned earlier, don’t start your work if you’re hungry. Have something strong, healthy food and try to keep away from junk food, for instance, make yourself a vegetable salad or eat a little fruit. Don’t have too much, though, so you won’t get lethargic and turn out to be even more exhausted. Eating a little bit will assist you to stay focus, and you won’t be distracted too easy.

Don’t get too occupied into your tasks trying to achieve them as soon as achievable. Take a small pause for 10-15 minutes & afterwards, switch among the assignments. While on your break, don’t sit there staring at your PC or books. Walk to the kitchen or bathroom & have a little coffee or tea, etc. Do exercises to stretch your muscles, or rest your eyes.

If you follow these tips, your homework won’t appear so hard anymore. Don’t ever forget regarding other helpful activities you can do to keep yourself in an excellent and healthy state. Have adequate sleep, eat healthy food, and work out. Always organize your agenda by the significance of the duties you need to achieve. I Hope all these tips and tricks work for you if you feel homework makes me sleepy.

Here is one more alternative which will solve your problems with homework make you sleepy. Yes, we are talking about homework help services. You can choose Students Assignment Help as your online homework help provider.  We are the leading homework help services provider working for student’s goodwill.

Students get their assignments completed and earn the grades they deserve with our professional assignment help . Just ask to pay to do my assignment and our experts will answer you.

A growing number of students are turning to us for help with their homework and coursework. We provide a wide range of services including college essay writing service and coursework writing service! So if you need assistance on an assignment or project then please get in touch with us today.

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Why Does Homework Make Me Tired And How Do I Deal With It?

Kids are usually excited about going to school for the first time in their lives, and many of them can't wait to discover all the great things they've been told about. As soon as they start dealing with homework however, it turns out that school isn't as fun as they were promised. When they get older and become freshmen in high school or college, the assignments become a real headache.

Why Are You Exhausted Doing Your Homework?

There might be a number of various reasons:

• A variety of different tasks to do before you can get to your schoolwork.
• Your lifestyle isn't healthy.
• The work you have to perform doesn't interest you.

At first sight it may seem very depressing and difficult to deal with the distractions. However, as soon as you get organized and find the proper motivation, your homework will stop being such a problem.

How to Manage Your Work Effectively and Stay Fresh

Every person has their own methods to deal with boring and tiresome tasks. Here is a list of some basic hints, which will be useful for you:

• Organize your work place.

When you start a school assignment make sure you have everything you need and all the unnecessary items are put away. Put all your books and worksheets in the exact order you're going to use them. Prepare the stationary you'll need. Sit comfortable and make sure you have enough room on your desk. Have enough light so that it won't bother your eyes.

• Eat a nice snack.

Don't start your work if you're hungry. Have something healthy and try to avoid junk food, for example, make yourself a vegetable salad or eat some fruits. Don't have too much though, so you won't get sleepy and become even more tired. Eating a little bit will help you stay concentrated and you won't be distracted too easy.

• Take short breaks.

Don't get too involved into your tasks trying to accomplish them as soon as possible. Take a short pause for 10-15 minutes and afterwards switch between the assignments. While on your break, don't sit there staring at your computer or books. Walk to the kitchen or bathroom and have some coffee or tea, etc. Do some exercises to stretch your muscles, or relax your eyes.

If you follow these tips your homework won't seem so difficult anymore. Don't ever forget about other useful activities you can do to keep yourself in a good and healthy state. Have enough sleep, eat healthy food, and exercise. Always organize your schedule by the importance of the duties you need to accomplish.

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TheSleepTalk

Why Does Math Make Me Tired?

For as long as there have been students, there have been complaints of feeling tired after math class. But is there any science to back up this feeling? Or is it just our brains telling us what we want to hear?

In short, math can make us tired due to the concentration involved, stress hormones being released, and general tiredness. Let’s take a further look.

Table of Contents

Why Does Math Make Us Tired?

It turns out that there are a few different theories as to why math might make us feel tired.

Concentration

The first reason has to do with the fact that math requires a lot of concentration. When we focus our attention on something, our brains use up a lot of energy. This can lead to feelings of tiredness, especially if we’re already low on energy to begin with.

Intense focus is also a reason why riding a motorcycle makes you tired .

Mental work

Another reason has to do with how our brains process information. You see, when we’re doing math, we’re constantly having to switch between different types of thinking. We might be using verbal reasoning to read a word problem, then employing visual reasoning to picture the solution in our head, and finally relying on fine motor skills to write down the answer. This constant switching back and forth can be taxing on our cognitive resources, leading to feelings of fatigue.

Stress Hormones

Another theory suggests that it’s not the math itself that’s tiring, but rather our attitudes toward the subject. If we believe that math is difficult and boring, then it’s likely that we’ll feel exhausted after working on math problems for a period of time. This is because our brain is constantly releasing stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol in response to perceived threats or challenges. So, if we see math as a threat, our brain will work overtime trying to protect us from it, leading to feelings of exhaustion.

If you are trying to get the correct answers within a certain time, like during an exam, then your stress hormones are likely going to be in overdrive, leaving you feeling exhausted by the end of the session.

Stress is also one of the reasons why you feel tired when gaming , or why VR makes you tired .

It’s also possible that we simply get tired of doing math because it’s boring. When we’re bored, our brains aren’t being stimulated, which can lead to feelings of fatigue. Additionally, when we’re bored, we tend to zone out and focus less on the task at hand, which means that we’re not using our brain power as efficiently as we could be.

So, if you find yourself getting tired while doing math, it could be because you’re bored. Try to find ways to make the subject more interesting, such as by working on problems with a friend or using real-world examples.

Read also: Why do I get sleepy in lectures?

Read also: Why does boredom makes you tired?

General Tiredness

Of course, it’s also possible that we’re simply tired because we’re doing a lot of work. If we’ve been sitting in class for hours on end, it’s no wonder that we might start to feel fatigued. Additionally, if we’re not getting enough sleep or exercise, our bodies will be lacking the energy they need to function properly.

Lack of exercise

It’s worth noting that a lack of exercise can also lead to feelings of fatigue. When we’re inactive, our bodies don’t get the opportunity to burn off energy, which can lead to us feeling tired. Additionally, exercise has been shown to improve our focus and concentration, both of which are important for doing math.

Poor nutrition

What we eat (or don’t eat) can also affect how we feel mentally and physically. If we’re not getting enough nutrients from healthy foods, our bodies will start to feel run down and sluggish. So next time you’re feeling exhausted while trying to do math, take a break and grab a snack or something to drink. A little sugar or caffeine can sometimes help us power through when we’re feeling tired.

Lack of sleep

The final theory has to do with the fact that many of us simply don’t get enough sleep. It’s estimated that one in three Americans doesn’t get enough sleep on a regular basis, and this lack of sleep can lead to all sorts of problems, including fatigue during the day. So, if you find yourself getting tired after math class, it might be worth considering whether you’re getting enough rest at night.

But it’s not all bad…

Now, before you go and swear off math entirely, there is some good news. You see, this feeling of fatigue can actually be beneficial! That’s right – even though it may not feel like it in the moment, struggling to understand something can actually help us learn and remember the concept better in the long run. So next time you’re feeling overwhelmed by a math problem, just remember that it might actually be helping you out in the end! 

How to stop falling asleep in math class

We’ve all been there. It’s math class, and no matter how hard you try, you can’t seem to keep your eyes open. Your head keeps drooping, and the next thing you know, you’re jolted awake by the sound of the teacher’s voice. If you’re struggling to stay awake during math class (or any class), don’t worry—you’re not alone. In fact, there are a few things you can do to stay alert and focused, without resorting to caffeine. Here are four tips to help you make it through math class without falling asleep.

1. Get a good night’s sleep before class.

This might seem like an obvious one, but it’s important nonetheless. Getting enough sleep will help ensure that you’re alert and ready to learn during class. For most people, that means getting at least eight hours of shut-eye. This can be tough to do, especially if you have a lot going on outside of school, but it’s important to try your best to get a good night’s rest before an early morning class.

2. Get organized

One of the best ways to stay engaged in math class is to be prepared. Make sure you have all the materials you need before class starts (pencils, paper, a calculator, etc.), and take a minute to review the concepts that will be covered in that day’s lesson. This will help you follow along with the lesson and actually retain what you’re learning.

3. Don’t skip breakfast

It might seem like an old wives’ tale, but eating breakfast really does make a difference when it comes to concentration and focus. A nutritious breakfast will give your brain the fuel it needs to power through a long day of classes—so make sure you eat something before heading off to school in the morning.

4. Move around

If you find yourself getting drowsy during math class, try moving around for a few minutes. If your class teacher is relaxed about you getting up, take a lap around the room. If not, you can do some simple stretches at your desk; just get your body moving and your blood flowing. This will help wake you up and keep you focused on what’s happening in class.

5. Limit distractions

When trying to stay awake during math class (or any class), it’s important to limit distractions as much as possible. That means putting away your phone, not chatting with your friends, and actually paying attention to the lesson. It might be tempting to zone out, but if you want to stay awake, focus is key.

6. Sit near the front of the classroom

Sitting up front will help you avoid distractions and pay attention to what’s going on at the front of the room. It might also help you avoid nodding off, since you won’t be as far away from the teacher and the board.

7. Take notes during class

Taking notes will not only help you better understand the material, but it will also keep you engaged in what’s happening in class. 

Taking notes is a great way to keep your mind active and engaged during class. Not only will writing down what your teacher is saying help you remember the information better, but it’ll also give you something to do besides stare at the clock and wait for class to end.

Of course, listening while also writing can be tricky, so make sure to practice taking notes beforehand so that you can find a system that works for you. 

8. Ask questions when you don’t understand something

If you find yourself lost during a lecture, don’t be afraid to raise your hand and ask for clarification. The more engaged you are, the less likely you are to fall asleep! 

9. Stay positive about math class

It might not be your favorite subject, but remember that math is an important skill that you’ll use for the rest of your life! Reminding yourself of this fact might just make math class a little less painful…and maybe even a little bit easier!

10. Talk to your teacher after class.

If you’re still struggling to stay awake during math class, talk to your teacher about it. He or she might be able to offer some additional tips and tricks for staying focused or suggest different ways of learning that could work better for you.  . And who knows—with a little extra help, you might just find that math isn’t so bad after all.

Why do you feel sleepy when studying math homework

For most of us, doing math homework is the worst time of the week. Two hours spent on some seemingly impossible mathematical problem can leave you feeling really tired by the end of it.

The trouble with studying at home is that you are more likely to get tired than you are at school. There are a few reasons behind this:

First, you are in a more comfortable environment where you are used to being able to doze off. Studying in bed or on your sofa makes this problem worse, so it’s always best to do your homework at a table or desk if you can.

Secondly, you aren’t moving around while you study, so your body starts to slow down and get ready for sleep. Getting some exercise immediately before starting your homework can actually help you to feel awake and refreshed enough to get through math and any other subjects that you need to study.

Finally, studying at home at home at the end of the day means you are more likely to be physically and mentally tired than you are at school. Make sure to do your homework as early in the day as possible to avoid feeling tired, and of course get sufficient sleep every night as well!

For tips on feeling less tired while studying, read our guide on 18 ways to avoid getting sleepy while you study .

Conclusion: Why does math make me tired?

There are a few different theories as to why math might make us feel tired. It could be due to the way our brains process information, our attitudes toward the subject, or simply because we’re not getting enough sleep. If you find yourself getting tired after math class, it might be worth considering whether you’re getting enough rest at night. Whatever the reason may be, one thing is for sure: tiredness during or after math class is nothing new!

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Solar eclipse 2024: Follow the path of totality

Solar eclipse, worried about eclipse damage to your eyes don't panic.

Geoff Brumfiel

Nell Greenfieldboyce

Junior Espejo looks through eclipse glasses being handed out by NASA in Houlton, Maine. Used correctly, eclipse glasses prevent eye damage. Joe Raedle/Getty Images hide caption

Junior Espejo looks through eclipse glasses being handed out by NASA in Houlton, Maine. Used correctly, eclipse glasses prevent eye damage.

Tens of millions of Americans will have spent the day staring at a total solar eclipse, and at least a few of them may become worried that they inadvertently damaged their eyes.

But experts say there's no need to panic — the vast majority of eclipse viewers are probably fine. And even if somebody did strain their eyes, the effects could be temporary.

During the 2017 total solar eclipse it's estimated that 150 million Americans viewed the event. There were around 100 documented cases of eye damage across all of America and Canada, according to Ralph Chou, an expert on eclipse eye safety with the University of Waterloo in Canada.

Far more people turned up in emergency rooms worried that they'd damaged their eyes. Many complained of watery eyes or blurred vision, but in most cases they were fine, according to Avnish Deobhakta, an ophthalmologist at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai, one of the largest eye hospitals in the nation.

The reason it's hard to do real damage is simple — the human eye has evolved to avoid staring directly at the sun.

"It's so bright that we're not actually capable of looking at it without either tearing or sort of not really feeling comfortable staring at this ball of light," Deobhakta says.

Shots - Health News

Here's what it looks like when you fry your eye in an eclipse.

In the rare case that someone does damage their eyes, that damage usually shows up as a blurry spot in the field of vision , hours or up to a day after watching the eclipse. In about half of cases, the problem fixes itself, but permanent damage can sometimes occur.

Anticipating the post-eclipse ocular anxiety, at least one eye clinic in Buffalo, N.Y., is offering free eye checks immediately after the eclipse on April 8.

It's always a good idea to get your eyes checked, whether or not there's an eclipse. So if you're worried at all, go ahead and use the opportunity to schedule your annual exam.

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Guest Essay

What Worries Me Most About a Trump Presidency

By Caroline Fredrickson

Ms. Fredrickson is an adviser at the Open Markets Institute, a senior fellow at the Brennan Center for Justice and a visiting professor of law at Georgetown University.

There are almost daily headlines now describing what Donald Trump would do if elected: the mass deportations, the pardons handed out to his friends and golf buddies, the Justice Department settling scores and waging personal vendettas. The former president has even promised violence if the election goes against him, warning that it could be a “ blood bath .”

But as worrying as these prospects are, they are far from the biggest threats he poses. What we should fear most is Mr. Trump transforming our government into a modern-day Tammany Hall, installing a kleptocratic leadership that will be difficult if not impossible to dislodge.

I do not discount the possibility of state-sponsored violence, and I worry deeply about the politicization of the civil service . But those are, for the most part, threats and theories, and while they need to be taken seriously, people should be paying more attention to a far more likely reality: that Mr. Trump would spend much of his time in office enriching himself. He failed spectacularly as an insurrectionist and as a disrupter of the civil service, and his clownish and chaotic style may well lead to failure again — but he has succeeded time and time again in the art of the steal. If his grift continues into a second term, it will not only contribute to the fraying trust Americans have in their institutions, but also impair our ability to lead the world through a series of escalating crises.

Recall how Mr. Trump operated in his first term. Not only did he keep his stake in more than a hundred businesses, he made it a practice to visit his properties around the country, forcing taxpayers to pay for rooms and amenities at Trump hotels for the Secret Service and other staff members who accompanied him — money that went straight into his bank accounts and those of his business partners. Those interested in currying favor with the president, from foreign governments to would-be government contractors, knew to spend money at his hotels and golf clubs. According to internal Trump hotel documents, T-Mobile executives spent over $195,000 at the Trump Washington Hotel after announcing a planned merger with Sprint in April 2018. Two years later, the merger was approved.

Government, like fish, rots from the head down. Mr. Trump’s example freed up cabinet members to award huge contracts to their friends, business associates and political allies, while others ran their departments like personal fiefs. After the State Department’s inspector general was fired , Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s use of official trips for clandestine meetings with conservative donors and allegations that his family misused staff members for tasks like walking his dog, picking up his wife from the airport and fetching his takeout came to light. And, in addition to being accused of improperly accepting gifts from those seeking influence, several other cabinet members were alleged to have used government funds for private travel . These may seem like banal infractions, but taken together, they are a reflection of who Mr. Trump is and how he governs.

Throughout his life, through Trump-branded wine, chocolate bars, sneakers, NFTs, ties, MAGA paraphernalia, a $59.99 Bible (of all things ) and, most recently, his Truth Social meme stock ploy, he has shown an unstoppable drive to enrich himself at all costs. He sees politics, like business, as a zero-sum game in which he wins only if someone else loses. These are the instincts that drive corruption, kleptocracy and grift. And, if past is prologue, we’re looking at a much more damaging sequel.

In a second term, Mr. Trump will have more freedom and power to undertake grift. He has already vowed to use pardons to protect supporters and possibly even himself from efforts to curb corruption (which may explain the nonchalance with which his son-in-law Jared Kushner has greeted criticism about the conflicts of interest raised by his recent real estate investments in Serbia and Albania, as well as the Saudi, Qatari and Emirati investments in his wealth fund). And he and his political advisers are building a deep bench of committed and loyal employees who could corrode and potentially destroy mechanisms of accountability in government, paving the way for kleptocratic leaders to entrench themselves in the bureaucracy where many would be able to remain past Mr. Trump’s term. And the mere presence of a phalanx of unquestioning lieutenants in the civil service will ensure that other civil servants fear retribution for objecting to the self-enrichment.

Naturally, I worry about other things, too, particularly the possibility of political violence. Mr. Trump could well claim he has won the election no matter the vote count and call on his supporters to rise up to ensure his takeover. Even before the votes are cast, his supporters are threatening election officials, judicial officials and state legislators, trying to intimidate them into either helping Mr. Trump or stepping aside to be replaced by Trumpists.

But legal, law enforcement and security obstacles are still in place to slow down or stop these efforts. We must remember that this time around, President Biden will still be president, able to control the military and federal law enforcement, and Congress has amended the outdated and vague Electoral Count Act to make it much harder for Mr. Trump’s congressional allies to contest a Trump loss in the electoral college or on Capitol Hill.

No such guardrails exist to curb Trumpian corruption. The Supreme Court, itself corrupt , has made it virtually impossible to prosecute even the most blatant corruption by government officials.

In a kleptocracy, corruption is a feature, not a bug, where politicians apply the law inconsistently , favoring friends and punishing enemies. By controlling government assets and handing them out to friends and family — and dangling possibilities in front of would-be supporters — as well as using politically motivated prosecutions, kleptocrats cement their control of government and disempower opponents. We need only recall Russia’s erstwhile effort to create a democracy: It quickly drained away into the pockets of Vladimir Putin and his oligarchs, leading to the hopelessness and acquiescence of Russian citizens once they realized they could no longer change their situation through democratic means.

Now we face that danger at home. If Mr. Trump wins, America will have a leader invested in his own personal power, both financial and punitive, and supported by a much more capable team. When lucrative contracts are handed out to Trumpist loyalists regardless of merit and dissident voices are targeted and silenced, America’s leadership on the global stage will dissolve when it’s needed most.

The consequences will echo for generations if we lack the ability and the will to attack problems like climate change, mass migration, a new space race and multiple wars. Nothing of substance will be done, Mr. Trump’s cronies will continue to act with impunity, and millions of Americans — already worried that elites are held to a different standard than regular people are — will lose even more confidence in their government, convinced that everyone in Washington is out for himself.

This combination of passivity on the one hand and impunity on the other could be fatal for our democracy. This is the true danger Mr. Trump poses.

Caroline Fredrickson is an adviser at the Open Markets Institute, a senior fellow at the Brennan Center for Justice and a visiting professor of law at Georgetown University.

The Times is committed to publishing a diversity of letters to the editor. We’d like to hear what you think about this or any of our articles. Here are some tips . And here’s our email: [email protected] .

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