Can't stay awake

Nursing Students LPN/LVN Students

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I can't, for the life of me, stay awake when I study. It is so frustrating. I have 3 kids and work part time and get as much sleep as I can. No amount of caffeine helps me... I fall asleep at my desk almost every time. Does anyone else have this problem and if so, how do you manage?

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

I have a REALLY boring second job requiring desk-type work. I bought a desk for my treadmill. I walk at 1 mph and can read, type and dictate without problem. (Took me about 4 hours to get the hang of it). Maybe this would help?

Treadmill Desk from TrekDesk

You can find plans on Pinterest to make one for about $50 in materials.

My other suggestion is to read aloud- it's harder to fall asleep.

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Specializes in Cardiac.

This has just started happening to me. Every time I get into studying, I just all of a sudden get this overwhelming urge to fall asleep. I was beginning to think something was wrong with me until I read your post. So now I get up from where I am studying and walk around for a minute and maybe eat a piece of candy or chocolate and most times this works for me. When it does not, I just go and take a short nap then I can focus better when I wake up. By the way, sometimes I set the alarm so I don't nap the whole day away.

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I am also having this problem it never fails everytime i try to read and make my notes I wonder if its because im in nursing school so im broke stressed to the max and living off sandwiches..... I may be lacking some sort of vitamin or mineral im tired all the time lol

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Specializes in Med Surg, PCU, Travel.

yes I've had this problem. It's fatigue. Caffeine is just a short term fix and wont help. Making changes to your diet if important. Add more fruits and vegetables. Also start exercising. I know it seems like exercise will make you more tired, but it actually make your sleep more restful and you will feel more energized.Even 15 minute a day will help.

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I can't for the life of me, stay awake when I study. It is so frustrating. I have 3 kids and work part time and get as much sleep as I can. No amount of caffeine helps me... I fall asleep at my desk almost every time. Does anyone else have this problem and if so, how do you manage?[/quote']

Are you studying at home or at different places. If you are studying at home your body tends to get comfortable and wand down. I did that a few times. Study at a library or stay after school and study if you are able to.

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Are you studying at home or at different places. If you are studying at home your body tends to get comfortable and wand down. I did that a few times. Study at a library or stay after school and study if you are able to.

That's good advice. At home you go into crash mode.

At home take breaks every 30 minutes that include exercise. Think of exercise as fuel for your body like those hand crank generators. No action and the lights go out.

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I put on my headphones and crank music. A heavy repetitive bass line keeps me focused. No lyrics though or I can't think.

I seem to get more work done at the library or at school as well.

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Subtract 1 c of the jo and replace with both cardio and weight training

Repeat

Also, whatever it takes.... establish a regular bedtime, and a regular get up time. Sleeping all over the map, your internal clock gets all messed up.

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I take a short nap. If I don't I'll keep falling asleep as I read.

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