“A well-rested mind is a better learner!”
Human of Medicine #44
This publication is in conjunction with the upcoming initiative by MMI aimed at raising awareness about mental health care in Malaysia. Further information can be found at @mmi_social on Instagram.
Jon Ng is a 21-year-old medical student pursuing a second year at Monash University Malaysia. After completing his pre-university program in Australian Matriculation (AUSMAT) on the Sunway campus, Jon joined the MD program in 2023. Jon has been actively involved in the medical community by participating in various initiatives in Malaysian Medics International as a content executive and academic executive. In this article, I will share my story on an age-old question of tertiary education: cramming all night or catching those precious Zzzs?
Sleep is an activity that takes about 33% of the time in a single 24-hour day. Still, this value has steadily decreased for many younger students and even applies to current university students with a massive academic workload. Sleep often takes a backseat in the whirlwind of academic life as students juggle deadlines, exams, and extracurricular activities. Yet, the importance of proper rest cannot be overstated, especially for those navigating the demanding landscape of medical school. Today, you can hear my thoughts as a medical student and my sleep habits and experiences to understand sleep's critical role in academic success.
A poignant account of my first encounter with sleep deprivation is during the first semester of medical school. The main contribution that drives me to sleep deprived is peer pressure, the pressure to conform to unrealistic study standards. I described this phase of the start of my medical journey as rather not a pleasant experience as I faced consequences like diminished mood, impaired focus, and subpar academic performance. This sobering lesson highlighted the importance of prioritising sleep and signalled me for change despite the rigours of academic life.
Year 1 was a real learning experience. It forced me to completely rethink and reform how I manage my time for both academics and sleep, especially during those crazy intense periods and work which require prioritisation. However, navigating the delicate balance between studying and sleep has its challenges. It took a lot of trial and error to figure out what worked for me. I've tried many things, like shifting my sleep schedule around, setting many alarms and reminders to stay on track, and even engaging in relaxation techniques before bed to wind down. Those relaxation techniques are a game-changer for getting good sleep during crunch time.
Since I'm a morning person, it helps to tackle new material early in the day when my brain feels fresh. Then, at night, I can focus on reviewing and memorising things I already learned. The key I have learnt is to emphasise fostering individualised approaches to learning and resisting societal pressures to sacrifice sleep for academic gains, which are crucial in maintaining overall well-being.
Undoubtedly, the MD course is demanding and arduous for starters; finding a study approach that works and suits your liking is crucial. In the first year, especially, the stress of getting caught up in comparing yourself to others is easy. But it is essential to remember that everyone learns at their own pace. Focus on giving your best effort, and don't be pressured into unhealthy study habits. Though the pressure to study long hours may help in last-minute memorisation, cramming for extended periods can be counterproductive and mentally draining. Focus on developing your own personal learning methods and find a study pace that allows you to absorb the material effectively.
The common question about one's sleeping routine is, “How many hours do you sleep in a day?” Experts and the Malaysia Ministry of Health recommend at least 8 hours of sleep daily for teenagers and young adults. However, the target of 8 hours is challenging. My pattern of retiring to bed is between 12:00 and 12:30 am, only to rise again at 6:00 am, which is 5-6 hours on average. The route remains unchanged during exam seasons, but sleep quality has significantly diminished due to academic pressures and stress. There is also scientific evidence proving that sleep patterns change as we age due to the melatonin hormone in our bodies.
So, why should you sleep 7-8 hours a day if that is the case? There may be instances where an individual feels functionally unimpaired following a period of sleep deprivation. However, this perception can be misleading, as sleep deprivation's cognitive effects may soon be apparent. Having sufficient sleep is essential for optimal cognitive function, including academic performance, information processing, and memory consolidation. When sleep-deprived, individuals may experience diminished cognitive abilities, hindering their ability to interact effectively with friends and complete academic tasks to a satisfactory standard.
Returning to the question, do you still want to cram or consider prioritising sleep? Think again. By prioritising sleep, you'll set yourself up for academic success throughout your medical school journey. Once a wise man mentioned to me , the determinant of your productivity is not how long you have been studying, it’s how good you have slept. After all, a well-rested mind is a better learner! So ditch the all-nighters and prioritise sleep – your mind and body will thank you for it!
Zhan Xuan is an aspiring medical student studying Foundation in Science at IMU University.
People deserve a voice to be heard, and that's the role of writers in society.
Sherwina Tee Yi Qian is a second year medical student at Monash University Malaysia.
Striving to be the doctor that teaches people the greatest medicine is how to not need it.
Consent has been obtained from the interviewee for the purpose of this publication. The author has rewritten the article with permission from the interviewee.
Humans of Medicine is a new initiative under MMI. We tell inspiring stories behind portrait shots of our everyday unsung heroes. Curated by Malaysian medical students from home and abroad.
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