Should You Be Studying for the BOC Exam in Complete Silence?

Ever wondered why some athletic training students study well in quiet study rooms or libraries while others thrive in noisy environments or need music playing in the background? Recent research has shown how the intricate workings of our brains, hormones, and nervous systems play a big role in how we study best for the Board of Certification (BOC) exam.

The Brain’s Battle with Noise

Do you ever find it hard to focus when there’s too much noise around you? Researchers at the University of Alberta studied this and found that our brains work better in quieter places when we need to concentrate. They also found that our environment plays a big role in how we think and feel. This discovery can help us better understand how our brains work and improve treatments for people who have trouble focusing or thinking clearly.

Ambient Noise

The constant sound of white noise isn’t just annoying — it can trigger stress by releasing cortisol, the hormone responsible for stress in our body. Although cortisol helps to bring balance, having too much of it can cause problems in the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for emotional regulation, planning, and memory storage. Not great when you are trying to study!