Question
Hi, I'm a college student (age 19) about to pull an all-nighter, and I've
read in the past that sleep loss can damage my ability to learn and
memorize information. Is this damage absolutely permanent, or
am I doomed to become stupid?
On average, I know I need 8-10 hours of sleep. I was
frequenting 9.5 for a while. I usually obtain 7-8 hours of sleep.
Sometimes 4-6. Last night I had 4 hours of sleep, slept 3-4
hours this afternoon, and now I'm preparing to not sleep until
about 11am.
I hope you can answer my question, I really appreciate any
information you can give me!
Answer
Sleep loss causes inability to remember things, and low concentration span.It is not permanent brain damage by far,one usually catches up when you get a good nights sleep the next night.But cramming all night for an exam to some think thats the way to pass when it is not.After a good 8 hours sleep one does better mark wise because the brain has rested.Research has shown that if one goes for no sleep after 6 months then the damage to the brain due to lack of sleep can cause permanent coordination,weakness and inability to remember.Pulling an all nighter does not improve your thinking,so just cramming for an exam is not in ones best interest,also research has found that if one falls to sleep with their tape recorder on playing back ones notes,marks tend to be higher the next day,somehow the brain absorbs more information because its doing less work as during the day when one is alert and active,so during sleep is when the studying penetrates better.So try falling asleep with your notes,just study 2-3 hours get a good nights sleep before the exam and im sure you will be top in your class.Feel free to write again,good luck,karel
