Students and parents ask all the time about strategies to improve organization, test taking, and overall school performance. The answer may be simple: getting more sleep.

According to the NIH, not getting enough sleep can exacerbate learning issues. 

"Your ability to function and feel well while you're awake depends on whether you're getting enough total sleep and enough of each type of sleep [e.g., rapid eye movement, deep sleep]. It also depends on whether you're sleeping at a time when your body is prepared and ready to sleep. ... Sleep deficiency can interfere with work, school, driving and social functioning.

"You might have trouble learning, focusing and reacting. Also, you might find it hard to judge other people's emotions and reactions. Sleep deficiency also can make you feel frustrated, cranky or worried in social situations. ... Children who are sleep deficient might be overly active and have problems paying attention. They also might misbehave, and their school performance can suffer."

As they note, students with learning differences may also have trouble regulating their sleep. So, in addition to preparing flash cards, reviewing class material, and crunching numbers, don't forget to get some more sleep.