How to Sleep in Class Without Getting Caught

Although every class is different, there are some principles which will apply in a general sense to every classroom situation. Some people occasionally fall asleep, but others have a naptime planned as regularly as a kindergarten class. So whether you're interested in catching up on a late night's study or making a routine of it, here are a few tips for getting that extra rest without causing undue attention to yourself.

1. Sit in towards the back of the room. If the size of your classroom is relatively small, you will probably have a slightly trickier time getting by, but it is still usually possible if attempted correctly. Even in the largest classrooms, the front row students can be caught dozing. This is not the place to sit if you want to tune out the lecture.

2. Have something on your desk. If your desk is empty and you are hunched over leaning on your hands, the teacher might grow suspicious. It's usually a good idea to have a book open. It doesn't even have to be the right book, as long as it's about the right size and open to pages full of smaller text nobody should have any reason to wonder.

3. Leaning is an artform. If you can't sleep sitting up straight, you will need to perfect your methods of leaning. There are correct and incorrect ways. You can choose between the one-handed technique and the two-hander. Leaning on one hand will offer less physical stability if you start losing your balance, but a two-hander, while offering stability from equal support on each side, will tend to be a little more obvious. Even some of the most oblivious teachers and professors might notice your head in your hands, especially if you tip forward. Note: the two-hand technique does not protect against tipping forward if you lean to far to the front. You will attempt that method at your own risk. Personally, I recommend the one-hand approach. You can cover one eye and point your face down at the desk so it looks like you're studying your notes or something similar. Whatever you do, DO NOT just put your head face down on your desk. Even in a class of 1,000+ somebody's going to notice. If they don't you might try for a class that's a little more of a challenge. Where's the fun without a little risk?

4. Periodic Participation. Some of the best class sleepers can still get caught. A common rookie's mistake is sleeping in every class. Even if you want to get into a pattern, you have to be awake for a small part of the semester. The way to avoid getting caught at sleeping is to act like you're paying attention a few times. Raise your hand when you know an answer, or just ask a question relevant to the text. Teachers will notice this and think you're actually paying attention when you're dreaming about garden gnomes and geckos. It doesn't take a lot of effort, but it has to be well-timed. Make sure the little participation you work up to is noticed. Don't be shy. Pretend, just for a minute, that you care about whatever you're studying. Just a few well-timed comments or questions should have you set for a very rested semester.

5. Avoid snoring. If you don't snore, you shouldn't have a problem with this one. If you don't know about your own snoring, you might plant a tape recorder in your own room just to be sure. If you know for sure that you snore, you might take some drastic steps to stop the snoring. Nothing gives away a student napper like a loud SNORE in a completely quiet lecture room. To avoid this disaster, try some kind of nasal strip, or other recommended treatment. You might even test these remedies at home first. Pull out that trusty tape recorder and tape another fascinating night of sleep. Don't take a chance! Get tested for snoring right away!

6. Eyes open. This can be somewhat optional. It's not mandatory for a successful nap schedule, but it will definitely give you more security as far as getting caught. If you can sleep with your eyes just partially open, then, especially in a larger room, your teacher or professor can even look at you and from that distance it will look like your eyes are open. I would still use the one-handed lean just to make sure your head doesn't flop over and give you away.

So, there you have it. Let's review just in case you forgot those. Try sitting in the back of the room, keep something out on your desk at all times, use a one or two-handed lean technique, give at least periodic participation, avoid snoring, and try to force your eyes halfway open. Follow these techniques, and you might just find that you can get your sleep and pass too!