Sleep Your Way to a Better GPA?

Posted on July 19, 2007 by Jennifer Brady

If you're burning the midnight oil to study for exams, you might see your academic dreams go up in smoke.

That's the conclusion in this report that's based on a study by the Associated Professional Sleep Societies in Minneapolis. Yes, I know… who knew there were professional sleep societies?

Nevertheless, their research sounds convincing although the sample may seem small. Quite frankly, I don't understand that because back when all-nighters haunted me while earning my degree, it wasn't hard to find lots of other dawn yawners among my peers. Still, if you're focused on that all-important GPA number, this is compelling information:

The new study of 111 students led by Pamela Thacher of St. Lawrence University found that those who pulled all-nighters had an average GPA of 2.9, while their well-rested counterparts had an average GPA of 3.1.

[Graphic credit to nasaexplores.com where you can find more information about the importance of sleep.]