Keep in mind that I havent started yet either, but here's my plan to stay non-sleep deprived:
1. Look out for #1: extra stuff is nice - spending time with friends, family, etc, but if you are over tired, you're just going to be cranky - so, if you need to sleep go to sleep and make it up a bit later when you're better rested
2. Set a minimum number of hours to sleep each night - say 6 (or 8 in my case). During those hours, DO NOT STUDY even if you can't sleep - stay in bed and rest. I mean, face it - if you study every night til 3 am and get up at 6, you arent going to remember anything anyways.
3. If for some reason (exams) you have to cram and pull and all nighter, make up for it asap.
4. never underestimate the power of naps - even 20 minutes can make your day a LOT better
Obviously, the 1st 2 wont work so well for M3 etc, but for the 1st 2 years they *should*. And maybe Im an idealist who's underestimating the amount of work there is in med school, but well, sleep is *important*.
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