Poor Grades and Lower Attendance Due to Early Morning University Classes: Study
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Poor Grades and Lower Attendance Due to Early Morning University Classes: Study

To perform effectively in academics, adequate sleep is crucial for maintaining academic performance, regularity in attending classes, and motivation to learn. The consistency in classes and interaction with peers and professors enhance the journey to understanding and learning. However, inadequate sleep and feeling tired directly Impacts attentional patterns and memory consequently impacting the overall learning potential.  

The purpose of the study was to better understand how sleep impacts several academic elements. One of its conclusions was that sessions offered at 8:00 AM had a 10% lower attendance rate than those held at a later time in the day. The study also discovered a correlation between students‘ grade point averages and the number of morning classes they took, which may indicate a link between absenteeism and presenteeism in morning sessions and worse academic accomplishment.

The students chose to sleep in the morning rather than attend the early morning classes.

The study found a link between early morning classes and circadian misalignment and university-wide sleep debt. Elaborating upon this further, the bedtime was consistent among students but they had to wake up early for morning classes disturbing the nocturnal sleep duration. Another concern highlighted in the study talks about the students extending their sleeping schedule on weekends and the frequency of daytime naps.

Students with later courses were less likely to prolong their sleep cycle on weekends and displayed a higher frequency of daytime naps, according to a research that compared students who attended morning sessions with those who attended afternoon or evening classes. Students who had lessons in the morning had a tendency to take more afternoon naps. In addition, the study revealed that the courses scheduled for early morning suffered lower grades even though the difference was not significant.  The study found that when courses were held in the afternoon as opposed to the morning, the grade point average was higher. The study concluded by signifying the negative impact of early morning classes including missing sessions, sleeping less, and a lower grade point average. 

Simple Tips to Manage Sleep Schedule:

Although the bedtime can vary for students, one can try to follow the below-mentioned pointers to enhance sleep quality:

  1. Consistent bedtime: Going to bed and getting up around the same time benefits the body clock. Even on the weekends, attempt to maintain the same routine.
  2. Avoid caffeine or other stimulants at least 3-4 hours before sleeping: Stimulants interfere with the ability to sleep, so stay at bay from these few hours before sleeping
  3. Use the bed for sleeping purposes only: Dedicate a separate space to work and have meals. The body associates spaces for a particular purpose.
  4. Avoid eating heavy food right before sleeping: According to the study, the process of digesting food directs the body’s energy and raises the risk of digestive problems like bloating or indigestion.
  5. Bedtime and waking up rituals: This is one of the most important factors that determine the quality of the day. Establishing intentions, practising gratitude, chanting an affirmation, and evaluating tasks are a few practices. 

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