Sleeping is important during revision for two reasons: memory retention and memory recitation. I’ve explained what each of these things mean below:

1) Memory Retention – Memory retention simply means the ability to store information. You probably heard of the cliche ‘sleep on it’ many times before but it’s actually true. As you know, the brain never ‘sleeps’. It continues to ‘digest’ the information that you’ve just put in front of it when you’re sleeping. That’s why I would recommend that you revise your notes page just prior to going to bed. Let those important concepts flow through your mind until you drift off to sleep. Then, let your brain do all the rest.

2) Memory Recitation – Memory recitation is very important too. It just means how well you can recall things. The information is stored in your mind but your brain has to retrieve it. I’m sure you’ve been in the situation before where someone has asked you a question and you know the answer but you just cannot locate it in your brain. You don’t want this to occur in the exam. You don’t want to say to yourself: ‘I know this but I cannot remember that all-important step or formula’. After a good night’s sleep, memory recitation is stronger. The brain is able to dive more deeper into the temporal lobe (the part of the brain where memory is stored) and see what information is currently there.

These two factors are very important if you want to achieve an A or A* in GCSE maths. As you now know, sleep can play a huge part in improving these two things. Never sacrifice sleep during revision. Sleep should be one of your highest priorities. If you have to free-up time, sacrifice other things.