When is the best time to learn new words?
Most of us study vocabulary whenever we happen to have time. But does the time of day matter? A little, yes. Sleep plays a big part in how memories settle, so when you review can make a difference.
Your brain memorises while you sleep
Studying isn't the moment a memory locks in. It's during sleep that your brain stabilises what you've learned. That's why reviewing words shortly before bed is often a good habit: it gives your brain fresh material to work on overnight.
Tired brain, good memoriser
Late in the day your brain may not be at its best for analytical work, like solving problems or reading something difficult. Memorising is different. A quick review of words you've already met doesn't need your sharpest thinking.
Progress beats perfection
Before-bed review is a good rule of thumb, not a requirement. A review at lunch, on the bus or in the morning still beats no review. Don't wait for the perfect moment.
Use your spare five minutes
Have five minutes and nothing to do? Instead of scrolling social media, open Mem-App and review:
- words that are due today
- words due tomorrow, to get ahead
You can also review any word, anytime, so you're never locked out of practice.
Try it in Mem-App
- Look up a word in the built-in dictionary.
- Add it to your list.
- Review and rate it as Easy, Good, Hard or Forgot. Mem-App schedules the next review for you.
Start for free
Mem-App is free to start: the Starter plan includes up to 50 words and 5 new words a day, ad-free. It installs from your browser on Android, iPhone and iPad, Mac and Windows. Try it at mem-app.com.
I'm a solo developer building this for learners like you. When do you find words stick best: morning, lunch or before bed?