Best Time to Study According to Science (And How to Find Yours)

by Deep

Best Time to Study According to Science (And How to Find Yours)

Every student has this question in mind - What is the best time to study? What does science say about it?

The answer is - there isn’t one perfect study time for everyone.

Science shows that our brain performance depends on circadian rhythm - the body’s natural 24 hour clock. Some people think clearly in the morning. Others focus better at night.

Let’s find the best studying time for you -

Morning (6 AM - 12 PM): Best for Deep Learning

Best time to study

For most people, cognitive performance peaks in the morning.

After waking up and getting light exposure, your brain produces cortisol (the alertness hormone), which increases focus, memory retention, and problem-solving ability.

Science suggests mornings are best for:

  • Learning new concepts
  • Solving math
  • Studying difficult subjects
  • Memorization

If you’re preparing for competitive exams or complex topics, morning sessions are powerful because your brain is fresh and less mentally fatigued.

Best for: Students who wake up naturally feeling energized. Not for night owls.

Afternoon (12 PM - 5 PM): Best for Practice & Revision

Energy usually dips slightly after lunch, but then stabilizes.

This is a good time for:
  • Practicing questions
  • Revising
  • Group study
Reaction time and coordination are strong in the afternoon, which helps with problem-solving practice.

Best for: Reviewing what you studied earlier. Doing math is also good.

Evening (5 PM - 9 PM): Best for Creative Subjects

Some research shows creative thinking peaks in the evening, especially for people who are slightly tired - because your brain filters less and allows more flexible thinking.

Good for:
  • Writing
  • Brainstorming
  • Concept linking
  • Light revision
If you’re not mentally exhausted, evening can be productive.

Late Night (After 10 PM): Not Ideal for Most People

Night time study


Many students feel focused at night because it’s quiet, the professional upstair neighbors are asleep. 

But scientifically:
  • Memory consolidation is weaker when sleep is reduced
  • Sleep deprivation lowers recall
  • Long-term retention decreases
If you regularly study past midnight, your short-term productivity may increase - but long-term performance often drops. If you have an exam tomorrow and you haven't completed your syllabus then there's no choice but studying while sacrificing sleep will weaken your memory.

Sleep is when your brain locks in what you studied. You need it very much for registering what you have studied. Ideally you should sleep 8 hours a day but do not go below 6.

No sleep = weaker memory.

So, What’s the Best Time for studying?

According to research:

Most people perform best between 6-7 AM - 12 PM
Followed by a secondary productivity window in the afternoon after lunch.

But the real answer is -

The best time to study is when you feel mentally alert and can be consistent.

Do this Experiment to Find Your Study Time

For one week:
  • Study at different times
  • Track focus level (1-10)
  • Track retention
  • Notice energy patterns

Your brain will show you when it's active and when not and you will know what is the best time for you to study.

Ideal Sleep-Study Pattern

No matter when you study:
  • Get 7-8 hours of sleep
  • Study in 45-90 minute blocks
  • Take short breaks
  • Review before sleeping
Because scientifically, reviewing before sleep improves memory consolidation.

This is it for now. Feel free to share your preferred study time, if you'd like to. See you later ....

You might also like:


Comments

Post a Comment