For as long as there have been students, there have been complaints of feeling tired after math class. But is there any science to back up this feeling? Or is it just our brains telling us what we want to hear?
In short, math can make us tired due to the concentration involved, stress hormones being released, and general tiredness. Let’s take a further look.
Why Does Math Make Us Tired?
It turns out that there are a few different theories as to why math might make us feel tired.
Concentration
The first reason has to do with the fact that math requires a lot of concentration. When we focus our attention on something, our brains use up a lot of energy. This can lead to feelings of tiredness, especially if we’re already low on energy to begin with.
Intense focus is also a reason why riding a motorcycle makes you tired.
Mental work
Another reason has to do with how our brains process information. You see, when we’re doing math, we’re constantly having to switch between different types of thinking. We might be using verbal reasoning to read a word problem, then employing visual reasoning to picture the solution in our head, and finally relying on fine motor skills to write down the answer. This constant switching back and forth can be taxing on our cognitive resources, leading to feelings of fatigue.
Stress Hormones
Another theory suggests that it’s not the math itself that’s tiring, but rather our attitudes toward the subject. If we believe that math is difficult and boring, then it’s likely that we’ll feel exhausted after working on math problems for a period of time. This is because our brain is constantly releasing stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol in response to perceived threats or challenges. So, if we see math as a threat, our brain will work overtime trying to protect us from it, leading to feelings of exhaustion.
If you are trying to get the correct answers within a certain time, like during an exam, then your stress hormones are likely going to be in overdrive, leaving you feeling exhausted by the end of the session.
Stress is also one of the reasons why you feel tired when gaming, or why VR makes you tired.
Boredom
It’s also possible that we simply get tired of doing math because it’s boring. When we’re bored, our brains aren’t being stimulated, which can lead to feelings of fatigue. Additionally, when we’re bored, we tend to zone out and focus less on the task at hand, which means that we’re not using our brain power as efficiently as we could be.
So, if you find yourself getting tired while doing math, it could be because you’re bored. Try to find ways to make the subject more interesting, such as by working on problems with a friend or using real-world examples.
Read also: Why do I get sleepy in lectures?
Read also: Why does boredom makes you tired?
General Tiredness
Of course, it’s also possible that we’re simply tired because we’re doing a lot of work. If we’ve been sitting in class for hours on end, it’s no wonder that we might start to feel fatigued. Additionally, if we’re not getting enough sleep or exercise, our bodies will be lacking the energy they need to function properly.
Lack of exercise
It’s worth noting that a lack of exercise can also lead to feelings of fatigue. When we’re inactive, our bodies don’t get the opportunity to burn off energy, which can lead to us feeling tired. Additionally, exercise has been shown to improve our focus and concentration, both of which are important for doing math.
Poor nutrition
What we eat (or don’t eat) can also affect how we feel mentally and physically. If we’re not getting enough nutrients from healthy foods, our bodies will start to feel run down and sluggish. So next time you’re feeling exhausted while trying to do math, take a break and grab a snack or something to drink. A little sugar or caffeine can sometimes help us power through when we’re feeling tired.
Lack of sleep
The final theory has to do with the fact that many of us simply don’t get enough sleep. It’s estimated that one in three Americans doesn’t get enough sleep on a regular basis, and this lack of sleep can lead to all sorts of problems, including fatigue during the day. So, if you find yourself getting tired after math class, it might be worth considering whether you’re getting enough rest at night.
But it’s not all bad…
Now, before you go and swear off math entirely, there is some good news. You see, this feeling of fatigue can actually be beneficial! That’s right – even though it may not feel like it in the moment, struggling to understand something can actually help us learn and remember the concept better in the long run. So next time you’re feeling overwhelmed by a math problem, just remember that it might actually be helping you out in the end!
How to stop falling asleep in math class
We’ve all been there. It’s math class, and no matter how hard you try, you can’t seem to keep your eyes open. Your head keeps drooping, and the next thing you know, you’re jolted awake by the sound of the teacher’s voice. If you’re struggling to stay awake during math class (or any class), don’t worry—you’re not alone. In fact, there are a few things you can do to stay alert and focused, without resorting to caffeine. Here are four tips to help you make it through math class without falling asleep.
1. Get a good night’s sleep before class.
This might seem like an obvious one, but it’s important nonetheless. Getting enough sleep will help ensure that you’re alert and ready to learn during class. For most people, that means getting at least eight hours of shut-eye. This can be tough to do, especially if you have a lot going on outside of school, but it’s important to try your best to get a good night’s rest before an early morning class.
2. Get organized
One of the best ways to stay engaged in math class is to be prepared. Make sure you have all the materials you need before class starts (pencils, paper, a calculator, etc.), and take a minute to review the concepts that will be covered in that day’s lesson. This will help you follow along with the lesson and actually retain what you’re learning.
3. Don’t skip breakfast
It might seem like an old wives’ tale, but eating breakfast really does make a difference when it comes to concentration and focus. A nutritious breakfast will give your brain the fuel it needs to power through a long day of classes—so make sure you eat something before heading off to school in the morning.
4. Move around
If you find yourself getting drowsy during math class, try moving around for a few minutes. If your class teacher is relaxed about you getting up, take a lap around the room. If not, you can do some simple stretches at your desk; just get your body moving and your blood flowing. This will help wake you up and keep you focused on what’s happening in class.
5. Limit distractions
When trying to stay awake during math class (or any class), it’s important to limit distractions as much as possible. That means putting away your phone, not chatting with your friends, and actually paying attention to the lesson. It might be tempting to zone out, but if you want to stay awake, focus is key.
6. Sit near the front of the classroom
Sitting up front will help you avoid distractions and pay attention to what’s going on at the front of the room. It might also help you avoid nodding off, since you won’t be as far away from the teacher and the board.
7. Take notes during class
Taking notes will not only help you better understand the material, but it will also keep you engaged in what’s happening in class.
Taking notes is a great way to keep your mind active and engaged during class. Not only will writing down what your teacher is saying help you remember the information better, but it’ll also give you something to do besides stare at the clock and wait for class to end.
Of course, listening while also writing can be tricky, so make sure to practice taking notes beforehand so that you can find a system that works for you.
8. Ask questions when you don’t understand something
If you find yourself lost during a lecture, don’t be afraid to raise your hand and ask for clarification. The more engaged you are, the less likely you are to fall asleep!
9. Stay positive about math class
It might not be your favorite subject, but remember that math is an important skill that you’ll use for the rest of your life! Reminding yourself of this fact might just make math class a little less painful…and maybe even a little bit easier!
10. Talk to your teacher after class.
If you’re still struggling to stay awake during math class, talk to your teacher about it. He or she might be able to offer some additional tips and tricks for staying focused or suggest different ways of learning that could work better for you. . And who knows—with a little extra help, you might just find that math isn’t so bad after all.
Why do you feel sleepy when studying math homework
For most of us, doing math homework is the worst time of the week. Two hours spent on some seemingly impossible mathematical problem can leave you feeling really tired by the end of it.
The trouble with studying at home is that you are more likely to get tired than you are at school. There are a few reasons behind this:
First, you are in a more comfortable environment where you are used to being able to doze off. Studying in bed or on your sofa makes this problem worse, so it’s always best to do your homework at a table or desk if you can.
Secondly, you aren’t moving around while you study, so your body starts to slow down and get ready for sleep. Getting some exercise immediately before starting your homework can actually help you to feel awake and refreshed enough to get through math and any other subjects that you need to study.
Finally, studying at home at home at the end of the day means you are more likely to be physically and mentally tired than you are at school. Make sure to do your homework as early in the day as possible to avoid feeling tired, and of course get sufficient sleep every night as well!
For tips on feeling less tired while studying, read our guide on 18 ways to avoid getting sleepy while you study.
Conclusion: Why does math make me tired?
There are a few different theories as to why math might make us feel tired. It could be due to the way our brains process information, our attitudes toward the subject, or simply because we’re not getting enough sleep. If you find yourself getting tired after math class, it might be worth considering whether you’re getting enough rest at night. Whatever the reason may be, one thing is for sure: tiredness during or after math class is nothing new!