A study reveals that studying at night could improve academic performance.

The recent publication of a study conducted by the Royal Society, the oldest scientific society in the United Kingdom, has sparked a debate among students and educators alike: what is the best time of day to study? Through a mathematical approach, the researchers concluded that studying at night may be more beneficial compared to learning done in the morning. This revelation is crucial for millions of young people seeking to excel academically in an increasingly competitive world. Education has established itself as a human right and an essential driver of development. However, many students, in their quest to achieve their academic goals, may be choosing schedules that do not maximize their learning capacity. According to the Royal Society study, students who study at night experience an increase in stimuli that lead to better memorization and understanding of the subjects. This information is particularly relevant for those who must face complex subjects in their respective academic programs. The researchers conducted an experiment to explore the hypothesis that learning complex problems, such as multiplication, before sleeping favors better information retrieval the following day. The results revealed that adult participants who studied at night showed superior performance in recalling those problems compared to those who did so during the day. This suggests that night could be an optimal time for learning, especially in a university environment where the academic workload is intense. The study also emphasizes the importance of literacy from an early age, a fundamental component for developing critical thinking. As young people advance in their education, it is essential that they are equipped with reading and writing skills that allow them to navigate the complexity of their studies. Furthermore, reading has proven to be a habit that not only enriches knowledge but is also associated with higher academic performance. Interestingly, a mid-2023 report from World Atlas highlights that Venezuela, despite its socioeconomic challenges, has managed to rank among the countries that dedicate the most hours to reading. With an average of 6.4 hours per week, Venezuela ranks above nations like Australia and South Africa. This fact could be intriguingly related to the effectiveness of nighttime studying, as a population that reads more might be better prepared to maximize their learning. Globally, India leads the ranking of hours dedicated to reading, followed by countries like Thailand and China. This focus on education has allowed these nations not only to improve their literacy levels but also to experience significant economic growth. This phenomenon underscores the direct connection between education and economic development, an aspect that should not be underestimated. On the other hand, the work context also influences the learning capacity of young people. Studies have shown that burnout from long working hours can significantly diminish concentration and information retention. In Mexico, for example, the debate surrounding working hours has gained relevance, as the country ranks first in the annual time its workers dedicate to their jobs. The OECD has published data indicating that Mexican workers spend an average of 2,226.3 hours a year on their jobs. This situation has led to the formulation of legislative proposals aimed at reducing the workload and improving the quality of life for workers, which in turn could benefit their academic performance if implemented correctly. In summary, the Royal Society's research raises fundamental questions about the most suitable time to study, suggesting that night may be the key to effective learning. With a renewed focus on education and the development of critical thinking from childhood, as well as consideration of working conditions, significant changes may be achieved in the way young people approach their studies. The path to academic excellence is filled with nuances, but knowledge about the optimal time to learn could be a decisive step in this process.