so. it's been scientifically proven that adolescents (or rather, all individuals in the 11-early 20s age bracket) experience optimal functioning in the afternoon (see Goldstein et al, 2006, in addition to a plethora of other studies)....
this being said, it never ceases to amaze me that in an academically oriented environment, where such facts are common knowledge, universities (such as my own *cough* LAURIER) continue to book early morning exams -- eg. 9am.
writing an intellectually taxing exam (such as cognitive neuroscience) at 9am vs. 2pm could literally be the difference between a B and an A. sleep patterns literally have to be altered in order to achieve optimal functioning in the morning -- ie. getting up at 5am so that 9am feels like 2pm.
of course, this is speaking for people like myself (evening-type individuals). but it is also rather commonplace knowledge that the modern school system has been criticized for the exact same reason. as adolescents become older, sleep patterns change, and early school days lead to sleep deficits along with the accompanying cognitive deficits in morning classes.
as university students, we've all dealt with the early morning death.. er... exam... but we all know how it goes -- this is where we encounter our well-known friend the all nighter. it's no use sleeping before a 9am exam. it just makes no sense. a 2 hour nap and a granola bar (or, if you prefer, a red bull) and it's go time.
i still don't get it.
anyway, at least i'm out of this bitch in less than 48 hours. go team.
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