[Boate]

Hey guys,

How do you guys stay awake while studying? I generally study once I get home from work(around 630-7) until 11-12 and then get up at 630 and study for a few hours in the morning. It usually takes me a good while before I understand the concepts being discussed in FAR so it may cause me to put in longer hours than some of you. But my main concern is once 10:30pm hits, I find myself constantly fighting to stay awake. Not only that when I get up the next morning to study for an hour or so before work, its the same thing. Sleep issues are in my family so I generally don’t sleep anymore than 4 hours a night and its getting to the point where coffee doesn’t even wake me up or give me some kind of boost. Any ideas?? I know I should try and get more sleep but if I do, I’ll fall behind and I need to use these extra hours to go over what I’ve previously done. Suggestions??

Here we go Again

AUD: (65)(66) 77
REG: (66) (48) destroyed me mentally.....
FAR: (68) (66)(69)(71)
BEC: (63) 75

"Greatness is not some precious thing, it is no more unique to us than breathing. We are ALL capable of it."

[Mamabear]

I stood up while studying some or would walk around while going over notes, but mostly if I was falling asleep then it was time to sleep. There is a good chance that the reason it is taking you longer to retain some of the information is because you aren't getting enough sleep.

CPA Exam - Finally DONE (November 2014)
BEC (08/10/13) 80
AUD (08/24/13) 65 (11/13/13) 85
FAR (04/12/14) 81
REG (07/19/14) 69 (11/29/14) 87!!

[Mjganier]

I totally understand. I have narcolepsy and I have to have at least 7 hours a night (with medication) else I won't function properly the next day. This was my weekdays. Wake up at 6:30 and study till 7:30 with work at 8. Then study on my lunch hour from 12-1. Then study from 7-10pm after work. Then, on weekends, I would study for at least 6-7 hours (sometimes more) a day to catch up. Also, to help stay awake on some of my sleepier days, I drank a xyience hydration energy drink that's loaded with b12 and b6 (sensitive to caffeine). I say, take some extra time to sleep during the week. You'd be surprised at how much better you can retain and learn the information with some good sleep. Then take extra time on the weekend to catch up.

FAR 8/18/2014--87
AUD 10/18/2014--78
REG 11/24/2014--76
BEC 2/28/2015--76

"If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough"-Albert Einstein

Study Mats: Cpaexcel study text and EQ, Ninja MCQ, Ninja notes

[Missy]

How long have you been trying to stay up past 10:30, usually the first few weeks are hard (takes 21 days to make a habit) but your internal clock adjusts. I personally think the 8 hours sleep a night is a big myth. Many people need more than that and many people need less.

Old timer,  A71'er since 2010.

Finance manager/HR manager

 

 

Licensed Massachusetts Non Reporting CPA since 2012
Finance/Admin/HR Manager

[kujayhawks02]

I would often do jumping jacks, push-ups, or crunches in between lessons just as a way to keep the blood flowing. Worked for staying awake on long nights in the Marines and studying for the CPA exam!

FAR - 79
BEC - 72, 79
REG - 75
AUD - 84

[Anonymous]

I tried getting up btw 4:30 – 5 a.m. to study every morning for a hr or 2 and my wife would find me passed out on the couch around 5:30. I think it is more effective to study during more at tentative times. I think otherwise you are just moving through the progressions.

[Kettlepot]

How and where are you studying? If you're watching Becker Lectures on your tablet in bed, then you're in trouble! Try moving around, put your Ninja Audios on your mp3/phone and take a jog around the block, or load up lectures that you've already watched and re-listen to them; try not to listen to new stuff while exercising as it can be hard to focus 100% and you can't take notes!

Try not to watch “30 minutes” of TV or play a game for a bit. It's wayyyyyyy too easy to just say “oh, I'm good, I did two hours today!” and just keep layin' on the couch.

I will wander around my house with Flashcards and quiz myself. sometimes I'll wander around and repeat mnemonics to myself and explain them to myself outloud under my breath. It reinforces the concept and also makes you look like you're losing your mind, which is pretty cool.

Far: 49
BEC: 79 (Expired)
AUD: 51, 67, 64
REG: 59, 64, 59, 69

[Gatorbates]

I dipped (Kodiak). Proven scientific fact that nicotine helps you concentrate more. Only did it while studying, and promised my wife that the day I received my final passing score, I would quit. I passed on Feb 3, 2014 and have been tobacco free ever since. I must say, it helped ALOT during my study sessions. And I'm not telling anyone to start. It's bad for you. Just stating what worked for me.

Licensed Florida CPA:
B: 71, 73, 79
A: 83
R: 78 (expired), 77
F: 74, 74, 80

It's finally freaking over.

[Anonymous]

Usually, I go for a run. It helps clear my mind and helps with the focus.

[tomq04]

Cocaine is one hell of a drug.

REG- (1) 76
FAR- (2) 64, (5)74, (7)83 (Over achiever!)
AUD- (3) 70, (4) 75
BEC- (6) 75

[Pandarama]

While studying for FAR and AUD, I used my laptop while sitting in a recliner. I use to find myself dosing off ALL the time. A couple months ago I finally bought a normal desk and sit at it when I'm studying. I've definitely noticed I don't get tired so fast now. I also make sure I get up and walk around a bit more now though because all this sitting is killing my posture/back.

Personally, I wouldn't be able to study from 7 to 11 or 12 either. I also get up in the morning and study from 6-6:30 to about 7-7:30. Once 10pm hits, I pretty much lose all thought process.

BEC - 80
AUD - 64, 75 - credit lost, 90!!
REG - 73, 74, 83
FAR - 61, 72, 85

Feels good finishing on my best note. Time to watch the mailbox.

[Author]

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