Picture this: you're sitting in a two-hour lecture, your eyes are heavy, your brain is foggy [1], and your mind is (literally!) dozing off. You're struggling to stay awake in class, but of course you don't want to nod off and miss a section of the lecture — or worse, get caught by the professor. If this scene feels a little too real for you, then you know how hard it can be to stay awake in class. After all, you have a full workload and social life!
There are tons of helpful tips and tricks to stay awake in class, but TBH sleep is non-negotiable. "Your brain runs on sleep, and you will have a big breakdown in mood and learning when you're not getting enough sleep," says Roxanne Prichard [2], PhD, a professor of neuroscience and psychology and sleep expert at the University of St. Thomas. In other words, consistent sleep [3] is necessary for learning. "We have a lot of data that shows if you sleep well, you're not going to be the one falling asleep in class," she explains.
Okay, but how much sleep do you actually need? Seven to nine hours per night, Dr. Prichard says. "Consistency is very important and it's about having a consistent rhythm, so try going to bed and waking up at the same time [4] to get the sleep your body needs."
But sometimes life happens, and your busy schedule gets in the way. If that's the case, there're a handful of simple ways to perk up during class to keep you engaged, alert, and actively learning. Read on for 15 tips from real, busy students on how to stay awake in class.
Massage Your Hands
"I massage the area between my thumb and index finger to stay awake. A reflexologist once told me that it was a good way to get rid of migraines, which it sometimes does, and it also helps me stay awake in long classes or lectures." – Kasha, Johns Hopkins University class of 2026
Wear a Bond Touch Bracelet
"One unique way to stay awake during class is by wearing a bond touch bracelet [5] ($89) with a fellow classmate. These bracelets are meant for couples in long distance relationships but can work great as a wakeup call. Bond touch bracelets vibrate at the touch of a button when one person wants to get the attention of the other. If you find yourself dozing off in class often, simply have an accountability partner wear one with you. They can zap their bracelet to send a vibration to your wrist and it will wake you up like a vibrating alarm clock." – Alyce, Florida A&M University class of 2024
Sit Up Straight
"I sit up straight so it's harder (or impossible) to slouch off to sleep." – Jocelyn, University of Michigan Medical School class of 2027
Drink Water
"I drink a lot of water during class [6] because it seems like an activity. The cold water also keeps me alert, so I try to drink an entire Hydro Flask during each class." – Jack, University of Southern California class of 2024
Dress For Success
"I try to get dressed for class every day. It doesn't have to be fancy but if I'm wearing jeans or a casual dress [7], I feel more awake than if I'm wearing sweats or pajamas." – Claire, University of Denver class of 2026
Doodle
"I stay awake by doodling in my notebooks during class. This helps keep me entertained and alert." – Hannah, New York University class of 2024
Take a Cold Shower
"If I'm incredibly tired before my evening class, I take a freezing shower and practice mindful breathing under the water. Cold showers wake the body up and refresh the mind, as shocking as they can be to the skin. Then grounding yourself through mindful breathing helps calm the nerves and puts you in a state of concentration and focus, which is why I do it. After my brief shower, I take a little bit of time to get ready, putting some pride in my appearance, and by the time I get to class, I am wide awake, feeling calm, cool, collected, and ready to learn." – MaLynn, Metropolitan Community College Kansas City class of 2024
Take Notes
"I take notes in class, even on the stuff that doesn't matter, so I stay engaged with the lecture." – Daniel, Emory University class of 2026
Experiment With Essential Oils
"I've recently gotten into essential oils [8] and I found that if I put a dab of eucalyptus or peppermint oil on my temples and tip of my nose it keeps me awake and more energized." – Jen, University of Texas at Austin class of 2024
Stay Productive
"I often try to find something else productive I can do if I'm getting drowsy. Whether it's a to-do list or some work for another class, I find I can wake myself up by working on something I want to get done. After that it's easier to return my focus to the class and I'll feel more awake." – Joe, Colgate University class of 2024
Exercise
"If I feel myself falling asleep in class, I get up and go to the bathroom to wake my brain up — move around a little." – Celia, Colgate University, class of 2023
Pro tip: A quick exercise break [9] before or during class can boost your heart rate and up your cortisol levels to activate the body and prep the mind for learning, Dr. Prichard says. Her suggestion? Try five minutes of jumping jacks or running in place!
Drink Coffee
"I drink a lot of coffee and take breaks to pace the hallway during my longer classes." – Caroline, Colgate University class of 2023
Pro tip: Caffeinated drinks like coffee or tea can be helpful in waking you up before class, Dr. Prichard says. Just be mindful that caffeine takes 15 to 20 minutes to kick in [10], and you should cut off caffeine at least eight hours before bed, she adds.
Chew Gum
"I chew a lot of gum during class. It's hard to fall asleep while literally chewing and the mint is refreshing." – Emma, Northwestern University class of 2025
Pro tip: If you're looking for an extra jolt, Dr. Prichard says that zesty tastes like cinnamon gum or wasabi peas can alert and stimulate your senses.
Participate
"I participate as much as I can, whether it's asking questions, responding to prompts, or engaging in a group discussion. This helps me stay engaged and keeps things a little more exciting." – Grace, DePaul University class of 2026
Practice Mindfulness
"I try to practice mindfulness [11] whenever I notice myself not paying attention or falling asleep. In those moments, I'll go to the bathroom and splash water on my face, or I'll stretch and crack my joints." – Everett, University of Florida class of 2023