LPT request: how to stay focused with low amount of sleep

Submitted by Mediocre_Total_4262 t3_zzo81x in LifeProTips

Hi,

I'm a student in mathematics aiming for graduate school that is also struggling with insomnia. I've been able to keep a perfect record at school but struggled this semester due to recurring insomnia and poor sleep quality. The issue lies deeper than proper sleep hygiene (blue screen before bed, drink cup of milk, keep regular sleep schedule etc...). Prescription sleeping pills are effective, but often side effects include drowsiness during the day and lack of focus. Lack of sleep is very problematic in my life and often leads to unproductive work, unfocused conversations and general lack of energy. I still get work done, but often regret not being to do it optimally. In short, learning to live with my condition is, in my opinion, more effective than fighting against it. And the feeling of "awakedness" by taking walks, or energy drinks is effective against sleepyness, but it doesn't give back the ability, in my experience, to focus deeply. I find myself being "lazy" in my thought. I don't how else to put it. For example, if I get presented a new piece of information, I would feel too lazy to really dissect it, build examples, counterexamples etc... And that takes away a lot from building intuition. Basically not "actively" thinking. I know this might sound a bit weird. I'm posting this anyways because I found that people on the internet have genuinely surprising insight.

Best

6

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pinupcthulhu t1_j2ctwgi wrote

>I find myself being "lazy" in my thought. I don't how else to put it. For example, if I get presented a new piece of information, I would feel too lazy to really dissect it, build examples, counterexamples etc... And that takes away a lot from building intuition. Basically not "actively" thinking.

bb, you just described the impacts of a lack of sleep: you can't just LPT your way out of the effects of being unable to sleep. You need quality sleep to be able to think properly, as it's how your brain heals itself and maintains your memories/ability to think. This will only get worse if you try to find ways to not sleep.

Since you've already tried the sleep hygiene stuff (the first step) and that didn't work, you need to find out why you have insomnia, and ideally work with a professional about solutions. Whether or not you see a pro, you'll need to answer some questions in order to pinpoint the cause, such as:

When did these symptoms start? What changed in your life? Is it possible that the cause is anxiety or depression, and/or is your lack of sleep trauma related? What happens when you try to sleep?

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noonewonone t1_j2cxn1b wrote

You’re fighting an uphill battle. Dealing with the symptoms of minimal sleep will never be as effective as addressing the underlying issue.

I suggest the following:

Exercise 4-6 hours before you want to fall asleep. Only lay on your bed when going to sleep. Instead of counting sheep or thinking about anything, practice taking deep breaths, as many as are necessary. Quit caffeinated beverages 8-12 hours before bed.

Best of luck

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DaBowws t1_j2ct1jy wrote

Your brain seems to be busy actively analyzing and dissecting. Perhaps that is a factor in the inability to sleep leading to lack of focus. Maybe adding intentional quiet time to your routine would help? Something like restful yoga or meditation. Best of luck to you.

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crzy19aka t1_j2f6ak3 wrote

Also a pad of paper and pen near bed so you don’t have to worry about forgetting whatever it is you just thought of…

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CE94 t1_j2d7va1 wrote

Don't eat within 3hr of going to bed, avoid screens near bedtime. Maybe try low dose melatonin an hour before bed

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keepthetips t1_j2cq44k wrote

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ProtectionWeird3272 t1_j2cyjdl wrote

Herbal tea helps me but read the back of the box first if you have a health condition . Downsize your studying session to less then 30 mins you know little by little i do this when i read a book or other tasks that include writing .

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