I am almost certain that everyone at some point in their lives has felt like they are falling asleep in class. Whether you are currently in classes, planning to attend classes, or have gone through the whole schooling process and plan to never attend a class again, you've probably experienced this. From a boring philosophy class to an intriguing chemistry class, there's still the potential of falling asleep. Often times, dozing off in class has to do with the little interest you have in the course. Other times being sleepy in class can be attributed to the late night you had. No matter what your reason is, there are many ways to stop your trip to dreamland.

Tips for Staying awake during Class

Sit up front and centre. By sitting in the front, you have the sense that the professor is looking directly at you. This may or may not be then case. This leads you to be in everyone’s view. This position not only gives you easier access to the board or projector (so you can see the notes better,) but it makes you feel obligated to pay attention. You will actually fear falling asleep because everyone will notice!
Take a shower in the morning. Taking a shower immediately after getting up can knock the fatigue right out of you. It could leave you feeling alert for a while afterwards.
Work out. An exercise routine can give you energy over a period of time. Working out can give you some resistance to feeling tired more easily.
Take notes. Whether you are a good notetaker or not, the mere act of writing may help you stay awake. If your hand is constantly moving, then there is less of a chance of falling asleep. Just do not get too caught up in your notes that you forget to listen to what is being said.
Change your position. Do not sit in the same position for the entire class. For example, some people often cross their legs while sitting through a lecture. Try uncrossing your legs for some time, or switching the leg that is crossed. You can even shift in your seat every once in a while. Even changing the position of your notebook now and then can be beneficial.
Interact with your teacher. Answering or asking questions in class can keep you alert.
Suck on a candy or chew gum. Now, please do not go into class with a lollypop sticking out of your mouth. Make sure the candy you select is something discreet like Jolly Ranchers for example. You do not want to be sitting in class munching on a chocolate bar. If food is allowed, then it's fine, but do not be defiant and bring large packets of candy into the classroom when you know your teacher will be displeased. I've found that chewing gum or sucking on a Jolly Rancher can keep me awake.
Drink some water. This goes hand in hand with the candy and gum method. Most teachers who do not allow food and drinks will allow a bottle of water into the classroom. Take advantage of that allowance and sip some water every now and then to stay awake.
Keep your hands away from your face. Often times, as we get relaxed during lectures, we place our elbows on the desks and lean our faces against our hands. Most people do this. Do not prop your head on your hands. This will give your body a sense of rest and invite sleep. Leaning on your hands is as bad as putting your head on your desk. Don't do it!
Walk out of the classroom. If all else fails, walk away. I'm not saying to pack up all your things and go home. Just take a break—a brief break. Walk down the hallway and get a drink of water. Do some jumping jacks to wake your body up, go to the bathroom to relieve yourself, splash some cold water on your face. If you're near a door that exits the building, go out for some fresh air. Just remember to return to class promptly. As you do not want to miss too much valuable information.

One important tip that must be said however, is to try and get 7 hours of sleep. Students are too often sleep deprived and thus as a consequence fail to stay awake during class.

If all of these tips fail and you cannot stay awake then simply go home as you will not pay attention and will miss valuable information. Sometimes it is better to simply head home, take a quick nap and try to be ready for the next class.