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Restless Nights
"Lately, my studying routine has gotten a little out of control and I’m developing a bad habit."
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to this Commentary!
By Peter Xuan
My first class starts at 7 A.M and it’s gym. Sometimes my friends run up to me and ask me why I look so tired. I tell them I’ve been studying late. That’s true – to a point: lately I’ve been waking up at 2 in the morning to do my homework.
Doing well in school is pretty important for me – but lately, my studying routine has gotten a little out of control and I’m developing a bad habit.
I used to do my homework right after dinner, to get it over with. But this year, I’d watch TV until six, just lie on the couch and stare at the ceiling. And before I knew it, the ceiling was gone, and I was in a dream.
I’d wake up a few hours later, with my homework still waiting…
PETER (on tape)
Right now I’m just getting out of the bed, it’s really chilly once you get out of the bed. At least my feet are still warm compared to when I got in. Anyways I’m suppose to do my homework.
Brushing my teeth is the only thing that wakes me up. I hate that yucky feeling I get when I don’t brush my teeth, as if little critters with pins are poking my mouth.
Finally I settle down to do my homework. I like to listen to the radio. Jazz works for me, because it’s not too loud, and it’s relaxing.
Keep in mind, it’s the middle of the night. And with just a hollow wall separating me from my parents, I have to be careful not to wake anybody up.
Already, I’m worrying to myself, “Am I ever going back to bed after 2 a.m?” And even if I do, I’ll only have about three hours of sleep until I have to wake up for school at six.
Studying late at night helps me concentrate because there are no distractions or sounds. An eight hour nap is pretty refreshing. Everyone is asleep. And the fear of waking up my parents energizes me. The goal of finishing my work keeps me awake. The adrenaline spreads from my brain to the tips of my fingers every time I put that word on the page.
But even though I can be very productive in the middle of the night, it’s just not worth all the haggard mornings and sleepy afternoons I face the next day. So I’ve decided to break this habit. Next time I’m lying on the couch, and my eyes feel heavy, I’ll repeat to myself, “Don’t fall asleep. Don’t fall asleep. Don’t fall asleep.”
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