It’s so easy to pull an all-nighter during the exam period—especially if you narrowly miss Western’s infamous “three exams in 24 hours” rule. However, missing out on sleep can actually be very detrimental to your health and your exam performance. Here’s what happens when you miss too much sleep:
1. You’re cranky.
Irritability is an obvious, yet problematic side effect of not having enough sleep. If you want to keep your friends close during exams, it’s probably best not to be consistently cranky.
2. Cognition is impaired.
Lack of sleep can affect your attention, alertness and vigilance. Newsflash: you actually need your brain during exams.
3. You actually forget more.
This one speaks for itself. This is about as counterproductive as it gets!
4. You gain weight.
Researchers found a link between lack of sleep and gaining weight.
5. Your vision suffers.
Sleep deprivation is associated with double and tunnel vision. Visual errors are not something you want when you’re studying.
6. You can get sick easily.
Lack of sleep affects your body’s ability to fight off illness. Having a cold during exams is the last thing you want!