Artwork by Taryn Kim
Let's be real: most of us share a goal of becoming an academic weapon in the new year.
For those unfamiliar with the term, being an "academic weapon" means embodying traits considered "scholarly," according to the Urban Dictionary. Needless to say, achieving this status demands relentless effort, often exemplified by enduring grueling all-nighters. But it all boils down to two questions: are all-nighters genuinely THAT effective? Isn't it more efficient to opt for power naps instead?
To answer the first question: no, they aren't effective at all.
While all-nighters offer a temporary solution, they prove counterproductive for high schoolers. The ultimate fatigue induced by staying up all night usually leads to less focus during examinations, hence a higher likelihood of making errors. Additionally, it disrupts the circadian rhythm, impacting the overall physical well-being of students. Striking a balance between diligence and self-care ensures a healthier and more productive approach to studying for high schoolers.
To answer the second question: yes, power naps are efficient since they enhance the productivity and well-being of high schoolers.
The concept of napping is often dismissed as a non-productive indulgence and a counterforce to the relentless march of productivity. It is often deemed "unproductive" by high school students, but its drastic impact on mental health and energy levels shouldn't be underestimated. Napping goes beyond a momentary break; exploring the positive correlation between naps and mental well-being reveals their potential as an efficient method to enhance cognitive function and promote a healthier mindset in an academic setting. In fact, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine, scientists found that people who napped for 30 to 90 minutes had better word recall, a sign of clear memory, than people who did not nap or who napped for longer than 90 minutes. People who napped for that golden 30 to 90 minutes were also better at figure drawing, another sign of good cognition.
Moreover, it definitely goes beyond a momentary break; exploring the positive correlation between naps and mental well-being reveals their potential as an efficient method to enhance cognitive function and promote a healthier mindset in an academic setting. Power naps have been linked to stress reduction and improved emotional resilience. In the realm of academia, where overwhelming stress is common, acknowledging the multifaceted advantages of napping can reshape the narrative around productivity.
In conclusion, becoming an academic weapon in 2024 requires a reevaluation of study habits. The well-known all-nighters prove to be inefficient and counterproductive to students despite being a notorious way to study for midterms and finals. On the contrary, recognizing the efficiency of power naps emerges as a transformative strategy since they contribute to enhanced cognitive function and emotional resilience. Thus, incorporating power naps into one's schedule not only redefines productivity but also prioritizes the mental and physical health of high schoolers.
Works Cited:
“Can a Nap Boost Brain Health?” Hopkinsmedicine.org, 26 Oct. 2023,
www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/can-a-nap-boost-brain-health#:~:text=Scientists%20found%20that%20people%20who,another%20sign%20of%20good%20cognition. Accessed 4 Feb. 2024.
“Do Power Naps Work? | Sleep Foundation.” Sleep Foundation, 21 Apr. 2023, www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-hygiene/power-nap#:~:text=Research%20shows%20that%2010%2D%20to,no%20grogginess%20after%20waking%20up. Accessed 4 Feb. 2024.
Labs, SleepScore. “The Effects of Pulling an All-Nighter.” SleepScore, 4 Mar. 2022, www.sleepscore.com/blog/pulling-all-nighters/#:~:text=Pulling%20an%20all%2Dnighter%20may,and%20disturb%20their%20sleep%20health. Accessed 4 Feb. 2024.
“Urban Dictionary: Academic Weapon.” Urban Dictionary, 2016, www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Academic%20Weapon. Accessed 4 Feb. 2024.
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