Learn it, then sleep: A simple habit that helps you remember more

Have you ever watched an intense movie before bed, only to dream about it all night and wake up exhausted? That’s not random. What you focus on right before sleep can shape how your brain processes it, for better or worse.

Now imagine swapping that movie for a set of study notes. Does it sound boring? Maybe, but it's also kind of powerful.

❓Why it works

Studies show that your brain continues to work on whatever it was focused on just before you fall asleep. When you study right before bed, your brain strengthens the connections it made while learning. This helps you retain information, consolidate memory, and recall it more easily when it matters, like during an exam.

Granted, the study was done on mice, but follow-up research on humans supports the same idea. Without going into all the scientific details and terminology, learning, followed by sleep, helps cement knowledge in the brain.

👍 What this means for you

If you want to boost your study results with minimal extra effort, try this:

Be intentional with how you use the 30–60 minutes before bed.

Instead of doom scrolling or watching TV, try this instead:

• Reviewing key terms or flashcards
• Talking through your notes out loud
• Sketching a mind map
• Practising a presentation
• Solving a few maths or chemistry problems

You don’t have to overdo it; give your brain something meaningful to work on while you sleep.

💪 Small habit, BIG impact

This is one of the easiest ways to improve your study habits without adding more study hours. By making your pre-sleep routine intentional, you’re training your brain to work smarter, not harder, even while you rest.

Want more support to improve your study habits and strategies? 

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