The Weekly Update

Why All-Nighters Actually Make You Dumber 😴📉

It’s late February. Papers are due, tests are coming up, and sleep is usually the first thing to go. You might think, "I'll just sleep when the semester is over."

But if you are cutting sleep to study, you are actually sabotaging your grades. Here is why.

The Science: The "Save Button" 💾

Think of your brain like a computer document. During the day, you type information into your short-term memory (RAM). But you don't hit "Save" (transfer to long-term memory/Hard Drive) until you sleep.

The Data: Memory Consolidation happens primarily during REM sleep. If you study for 5 hours but only sleep for 4, your brain deletes much of what you just learned.
The Takeaway: An extra hour of sleep is often more valuable for your test score than an extra hour of studying.

Weekly Challenge: The "30-Minute Shutdown" 📵

Revenge Bedtime Procrastination (staying up late just to feel like you have free time) is real.

The Challenge: Set an alarm on your phone for 30 minutes before you want to be asleep.

When that alarm goes off, the phone goes on the charger across the room (not in your hand!).
Do something analog: Read a paper book, layout your clothes for tomorrow, or just listen to music.

Resource Corner: Rest is not Lazy 🛌

Insomnia and sleep issues can sometimes be linked to anxiety. If you can't shut your brain off at night, come talk to us about strategies.

School Counselor: Grant Sparks (766-3410)/Christine Harrell (766-3407)
Mental Health Support: Shannon Krenek, LCSW (766-3379) - Leave a note if Ms. Shannon is not in. She would love to meet you.
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 for free, 24/7 support.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988.