To make the most out of our study sessions, careful planning and preparation are necessary — from creating the perfect desk setup for school to finding the best background music. One aspect of studying that’s often overlooked is the time we choose to study. Knowing the best time to study is important as it directly impacts our ability to focus, retain information, and sustain productivity.
So, how can you align your study routine with your brain’s best hours? We’ll help you figure out the best and worst times to study, as well as tips for figuring out the ideal study time for you. Let’s jump in.
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When to Study According to Science
The Best Time to Study
According to a 2017 study, the best time to study for most people is between 11:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. This specific period is when the brain operates at its prime, ready to absorb and retain information effortlessly. Because of this, most students feel their best and perform at their peak during this time.
Use this time to maximize your learning by incorporating effective study techniques. Ready to take on a challenge? Test your productivity by completing as many Pomodoro or Animedoro sessions as possible within this time frame. Check out our Flocus Pomodoro timer to jump right into it!
The Worst Time to Study
On the other hand, the worst time to study for most people is between 2:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. Our body is naturally tired, and the brain is not at its best. As a result, you would find it much harder to focus and make the most out of your study sessions. Studying at these odd hours could harm your health since it messes up your natural body clock.
If you have no choice but to study during these hours, remember to take short breaks regularly to rest and recharge your brain. Make sure to drink plenty of water and eat healthy snacks instead of relying on coffee or energy drinks to stay alert. Also, do your best to get back into a regular sleeping schedule as soon as possible.
Discovering Your Optimal Study Time
Though science can guide us on how to study, it’s important to remember that learning is a deeply personal and individual process. That’s why there is no “universal best study time” that can apply to everyone. The real secret is understanding how our own brains function at different hours of the day and adjusting our study routines accordingly.
Find the perfect time to study that works for you — one that aligns with your schedule, lifestyle, sleeping habits, and specific circumstance.
Are You a Morning Person or a Night Owl?
If you’re a “morning person” who feels more alert and focused when the sun is up, then studying in the early morning to early afternoon would be the best choice. Our minds become refreshed after a good night’s sleep, making them more ready for new information. This is also better for extroverted individuals who prefer studying with friends in coffee shops or communal study spaces.
Some students become more productive later in the day — from late afternoon to late evening. These “night owls” favor their peace and quiet during nighttime, with fewer distractions to improve focus and creativity. If you are an introvert who needs solitude and silence to concentrate effectively, then the best time to study is at night.
It’s also important to consider that not everyone fits neatly into these two categories and can alternate from one preference to another. For example, you might find yourself feeling productive during the mornings this week, but prefer studying at night next week.
How to Find Your Own Best Study Time
If you’re still trying to determine your best time of day to study, try keeping a study journal to track your focus and performance during different hours of the day. When do you feel most alert? When do you feel most engaged and least distracted? Being self aware of your own productivity waves will help you find your optimal study time.
Finding the best study time for you may take some trial and error, but it’s definitely worth the effort. You can maximize each study session and achieve better results by being in sync with your natural rhythm and having a consistent study routine. Experiment with different study times to find what works best for you. Good luck!
When is the best time to study for you? Are you a morning person or a night owl? Let us know in the comments below!
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