Personally I do better studying in a library, sitting at a desk without any distractions including music, tv, background conversation, and all that jazz. I think if you make yourself too comfortable by lounging, your body is more at rest and not alert so instead of seeing words you start to see "bla bla la la. And don't forget this step." <oops, what step> And as Payne said, actively taking notes is helpful. I'm not sure what you're studying, but jot down key terms and their definitions, draw diagrams or flowcharts if appropriate. You'll retain information longer if you physically write something down, which is why I'm glued to white wash boards.

I'm a class A procrastinator, but I will commit a whole day to studying if I have an exam within a 24 hour time period. I'm more productive under pressure. Unfortunately, that's my only motivation - a deadline. Unless it's something I absolutely love, then I'm going to work on it anyway.