As examinations draw closer, late-night and overnight reading has become a common practice among students trying to cover their course syllabuses. With limited time and academic pressure, many students sacrifice sleep to catch up. However, while this habit may appear productive, it often comes with hidden health costs that students rarely consider.
For many undergraduates, overnight reading is not a deliberate choice but a response to circumstances. Academic workload, daytime commitments, and campus distractions often push students to study at night, when the environment is quiet, and concentration feels more manageable.
Faith, a 300-level English student, said she reads overnight because her days are usually packed with a load of activities. She stated, ‘I always read overnight because I’m always busy during the day.’ She explained further that during exam periods, she feels overwhelmed but often takes a short rest whenever she is tired before continuing to read. Her experience reflects a common pattern among students who sacrifice their sleep to keep up with academic demands while trying to manage the stress that comes with intensive study.
Beauty, another 300-level student, explained that overnight reading has been part of her routine since her secondary school days, and she finds night reading particularly helpful for difficult courses. ‘Whenever I am having difficulty with a course, there is no way I can read, retain, or understand unless I read at midnight,’ she said. However, she admitted that sleep deprivation sometimes affects her physically and emotionally.
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Emmanuel, another 300-level student of mass communication, presented a slightly different perspective. He said, ‘Overnight reading during exams for me does not come out of necessity but because I find the practice manageable.’ He continued, ‘I assimilate better at night, and I find the atmosphere more conducive for reading than during the day.’
He explained that campus life does not influence his decision, and he takes short breaks whenever he feels tired. He also uses music to maintain focus while reading. When asked if overnight reading affects his mood, he replied, ‘Overnight reading does not affect my mood. It just makes me wake up late the next day.’
According to research, health experts warn that prolonged lack of sleep can reduce concentration and increase stress levels. Students who stay awake for long hours may read more but retain less, as the brain requires adequate rest to function.
While overnight and crash reading may seem unavoidable during exam periods, it is advisable to adopt healthier study habits where possible. Taking short breaks and ensuring some hours of sleep can help balance academic demands with personal well-being.
As exams approach, students may need to reconsider not just how long they read, but how well they take care of their health. Academic success should not come at the cost of emotional and mental well-being, nor should it lead to exhaustion.