Drowsiness - An Overview of Tips to Prevent the Problem During UPSC Exam Preparation

Cracking the UPSC civil services require intense and laborious studies for 10-12 months. It involves dedicated work with minimum time reserved for other aspects of life. This article gives the reasons behind drowsiness, a natural problem that many of the aspiring candidates would face while preparing for UPSC Exams and the 8 Important measures one could easily implement to prevent the onset of drowsiness during intense preparation. It also shares some important but small tips that will help an aspirant to stay alert while studying.

Candidates would find this article important while strategising their preparing for the IAS Exam.

Drowsiness – Problem Faced During Intense Preparation for UPSC Exams

As you would be aware, the UPSC exams are conducted in three stages with each stage eliminating candidates who don’t clear the exam.

1. UPSC prelims
2. UPSC mains
3. UPSC Board Interview/Personality Test

Naturally, you will have to set your life around the UPSC civil services preparation for these months if you are serious about your IAS dreams. You will have to schedule every minute of every day and follow your study timetable to the T. You are likely to encounter many difficulties on the road to your civil services dream. One of the hurdles to cross would be daytime drowsiness. You might feel sleepy even during the day and sitting up to study might turn out to be an excruciating ordeal. Daytime sleepiness can also cause decreased concentration and you lose productivity and valuable time. If you give in to your temptation to sleep every time you feel the urge, you might want to take a few measures to avoid this scenario and accelerate your chances of clearing the UPSC civil services exam.

How to Prevent Daytime Drowsiness

Proper Sleep

It is imperative that you have a sound sleep when you do sleep at night. Don’t think about your IAS exams, your uncovered portion of the UPSC syllabus, your friends’ preparation, your parents’ expectations, etc. Unburden your mind and sleep like a baby! You can get a good shuteye only if you create certain conditions for it like no lights, no caffeine before bedtime, quiet atmosphere, etc. If your sleep is marred by negative thoughts and dreams, you will wake up tired and be sleepy the whole next day even if you had ‘slept’ for 8 hours.

Be Active

Lead an active life. Even amidst your UPSC civil services preparation, you should engage in physical activities like light gym, play sports, go for short walks, etc. Being active will pump up your adrenaline and get rid of any drowsiness.

Stimulating Life

Also lead a stimulating life. Of course, you have a grand goal, i.e., clearing the IAS exam. Let this goal be your motivator. Let your mind always be working. Never stay idle. Solve puzzles and brain teasers in your spare time. All this will shake you off your sleepiness.

Drink Plenty of Water and have a Lot of Fruits First Thing in the morning

Stay hydrated by drinking sufficient water. In addition, eat fruits on an empty stomach. It is a useful and healthy way to prevent daytime drowsiness.

Avoid Stress

Stress induces a feeling of tiredness and lethargy. Avoid this by indulging in stress-busting activities. Your UPSC civil services preparation need not be a stressful affair if you take the right precautions. Get tips on how to beat stress by clicking on the link below.

Sensible Diet

Have a healthy and moderate diet. Digestion is an energy-sucking activity and the more you eat, the more the body works to digest all that food. Also, unhealthy foods rich in carbohydrates and fats take more time to digest and thus cause drowsiness. Eat fruits, vegetables, lean meat and dry fruits & berries.

Consistent Wake-up and Bedtime

Fix a routine that includes a steady wake-up and sleep time. Do not break the schedule if you want consistent energies throughout the day.

Avoid Daytime Naps

If you sleep during the day, your night time sleep is affected, which in turn, negatively impacts your energy levels the following day. So avoid the daytime siesta. It will also break your study-flow.

Tips to Remain Alert while Studying

1. Sit up straight and study
2. Don’t lie down and study
3. Don’t sit on your bed to study – your bed sends the brain signals that sleep time is at hand.
4. Read aloud when you feel your eyelids drooping
5. Walk about for a while and resume your reading
6. Take down notes while reading
7. Watch videos for a change while you study                 
8. Switch subjects or topics in case you feel bored
9. Take a break after an hour or so. 
10. Change your sitting positions
11. Don’t keep your eyes too close to your book while studying – it can make you fall asleep.
12. Splash your face with cold water once in a while to feel fresh.

Sleep is an integral part of human life. You cannot pursue your IAS aspirations successfully if you ignore signs that your tired body is giving you. Use sleep wisely. Don’t ignore it. Don’t overdo it.

The above details would help candidates prepare for UPSC 2023.

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