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Anyone feel really tired during revision period?

I've been revising for 3 1/2 months solid now! Pretty much every day.

(The reason is that these are my final retakes and if I dont pass them then I cant carry on with the third year of university. Also I changed a module to one that I didnt do lectures for, so I spent 2 months learning it by myself from scratch.)

Anyway, I feel really tired during the days now. Anyone feel like this when revising for weeks?

Here are what I can think are possible causes:

-Late or not consistent sleep pattern.
I know I could make my sleep pattern better because I often get to sleep anywhere between 12am and 3am, which is late and not consistent. But then getting 7-9 hours sleep, I still feel tired during the days.

-Do students need more than average sleep during revision period?
Im wondering if students need more sleep during the revision period, as I know sleep is when the brain sorts out what had been leant that day and stores it into memory. So maybe the more you learn, the more the brain needs sleep?

-Stress?
I have also thought that perhaps stress is causing tiredness...stress about the exams, but also stress because I have not had time to relax, have fun, socialise etc.

-Not eating enough food?
I take dexamphetamine for ADHD (officially diagnosed and prescribed), which is great for concentration, but reduces appetite so much. I can happily not eat for the whole day, and only do so because I feel like I should, but even then I dont eat enough. Could this be making me feel really tired?

I now rely on a coffee in the morning to keep me awake. The other day I hadnt had one and was resting my head on the desk as I was writing in the univerity library. I started drifting off and after 10 mins I thought 'Right, Im just gonna give in and get a coffee'.

What do you think? Anyone relate to any of this or have any advice?

Thanks
Jonny

Reply 1

tigercallie

I always feel super tired as soon as i try to do any work. Im in my 6th year on uni (4 year first degree and now in my 2nd year of another degree). Its actually started to worry me how tired I get. Like, i sit down to work and actually can't keep my eyes open. If i feel tired I try and just lie down for an hour, have a power nap. I get enough sleep, i dont get it either. Sorry im not of much actual use, but i just wanted to say that you're not alone!

It sounds as though you;re doing ok sleeping, try and get it a bit more regular i guess, but the not eating is bad! You're probably always a bit hypoglycaemic so that definitely wont be helping, you have to make yourself eat even if you dont want to!

Reply 2

Liv1204

Yep, I can definitely relate, for lots of the same reasons as above.

I've just finished my exams and I'm still shattered, I think your brain just takes a long time to settle down from all the stress/constant revision. Make sure you wind down for a bit before you sleep, don't just stop revising and go to bed - get a milky drink if you like them, read, listen to music, just do something other than revision to wind down from the stress a bit.

Also, I think too much time on computers makes me exhausted too (I do all my revision online, my eyes ache so much by the end!) so maybe try to vary the types of revision you do, like computer, writing, reading aloud, spider diagrams, just so it's not constantly doing the same thing all day.

If you're not eating enough you'll definitely feel tired because even if your appetite is reduced your body still needs food. Eat healthily if you can, and regularly (small regular meals rather than meals if it's easier), or just keep snacks by your side when you're revision, like crackers, fruit, etc etc. And drink lots of water too!

But yeah, I can definitely relate! Good luck with your exams :smile:

Reply 3

phenolphtalein

sometimes a quick exercise can help (go for a run or smtjhing)

Reply 4

SoftMusk

I always feel stressed and tired...I simply can't be bothered to do things. University might be harder but i'm only doing my A-levels and i'm feeling like this! I just drink loads of water and try to take some time out because revising 24/7 nearly gave me a mental breakdown before....