Introduction
Sleep is one of the most underestimated performance tools during IB exams.
Many students sacrifice sleep to revise more — and end up:
- Forgetting content
- Making careless mistakes
- Losing focus in long exams
Better sleep often improves grades more than extra revision.
Why Sleep Matters So Much in IB Exams
Sleep affects:
- Memory consolidation
- Concentration
- Emotional control
- Problem-solving speed
Poor sleep doesn’t just make you tired — it directly lowers exam performance.
The Biggest Sleep Mistake Students Make
The most common mistake is cutting sleep to revise late.
This leads to:
- Lower retention
- Slower thinking
- Increased anxiety
One extra hour of sleep is usually worth more than one extra hour of revision.
How Much Sleep IB Students Actually Need
Most IB students need:
- Around 7–9 hours of sleep
- Consistent sleep and wake times
- Predictable routines
Irregular sleep schedules are more damaging than short-term tiredness.
How to Improve Sleep During Exams
To sleep better during exams:
- Stop heavy revision earlier in the evening
- Avoid screens close to bedtime
- Keep the same sleep routine every night
- Prepare materials the night before
Calm evenings lead to better mornings.
What to Do the Night Before an Exam
The night before an exam:
- Do light review only
- Avoid practice papers
- Prepare your bag and materials
- Wind down early
Confidence comes from preparation already done.
How High-Scoring Students Protect Sleep
Strong students:
- Finish heavy revision early
- Treat sleep as non-negotiable
- Use routines to reduce anxiety
- Trust their preparation
Sleep is part of their strategy, not a luxury.
Using the RevisionDojo Study Planner
The RevisionDojo Study Planner helps students protect sleep by:
- Preventing late-night cramming
- Structuring revision earlier
- Reducing uncertainty
- Encouraging sustainable routines
Plan sustainably here:
https://www.revisiondojo.com/study-planner
RevisionDojo Call to Action
If you’re sacrificing sleep to revise more, you’re likely hurting your performance.
Use the RevisionDojo Study Planner to:
- Finish revision earlier
- Sleep better
- Perform more consistently
Start planning here:
https://www.revisiondojo.com/study-planner
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it okay to revise late the night before an exam?
Light review is fine, but heavy revision usually harms sleep and performance.
Can lack of sleep really affect grades?
Yes. Sleep directly impacts memory, focus, and accuracy.
Should I change my sleep schedule during exams?
No. Consistency matters more than optimisation.
What if I can’t sleep due to anxiety?
Prepare earlier, wind down sooner, and avoid screens. Anxiety often comes from uncertainty.
