Pulling all-nighters to study is not the right way to go – I learned this the hard way.

I used to think staying up all night to study was just part of being a good student. The pressure to do well, the endless pages of notes, the fear of not knowing everything – it all felt like a good enough excuse to sacrifice sleep. But after experiencing the consequences first-hand, I’ve realised that pulling all-nighters is one of the worst decisions you can make when it comes to studying.

I recently made the mistake of staying up almost the entire night to revise. I convinced myself I’d feel more prepared if I just crammed a bit more. But the next day, I walked into the exam room exhausted, with a headache, and completely unable to focus. My memory felt foggy, and everything I had studied the night before suddenly felt far away. I knew the material – but my brain couldn’t function properly.

I didn’t do nearly as well as I could have. And honestly, I regretted not going to bed earlier.

Many teenagers fall into this trap. In fact, a 2021 study from the US National Sleep Foundation found that 73% of American high-school students don’t get enough sleep – 8–10 hours is recommended – on school nights. Many are up late studying, believing it will help their grades. But science says otherwise.

Studies have shown that sleep deprivation in teens can lead to memory problems, decreased concentration, slower cognitive processing and even long-term health issues such as anxiety, a weakened immune system and high blood pressure. Teens are considered at higher risk than adults because their brains are still developing.

Some may argue that studying late is unavoidable as it’s the only time they can focus, especially if their days are packed. And sure, we all work differently. But losing sleep to study often backfires.

The truth is, success isn’t about working the longest, it’s about working the smartest. What matters is quality over quantity; time management is key. Instead of cramming all the material the night before, plan your revision more effectively and over a longer time period, incorporating regular breaks, and making space for enjoyable activities as well.

Sleep is not the enemy – it’s essential. Instead of treating it like something we can sacrifice, we should see it as part of a healthy, effective study routine. You don’t have to pull all-nighters to succeed. In fact, you’ll likely do better when you’re rested, recharged and in the right mindset.

So, if you’re thinking of staying up all night to study, don’t! Trust me, my experience was not the best.