Is Caffeine helpful when studying and should it be regarded as a "safe" study aid?

Question

Many people say "I'm going to get a coffee or redbull  to study tonight" but I'm curious if that's even helpful as a study aid? 

Answer 1

This is not the kind of question you want to ask of a guy who makes his living as a writer!  Here's my answer in poetic form.

HOW I DO IT

Coffee coffee in my veins,

Stimulate this writer's brains

Course right through my ev'ry artery

Make my verse more terse and smartery

By the teacup, by the mug

Inspiration by the jug

Is it madness; do I sorta

Feel a throb in my aorta?

No, ti's nothing; just a twinge

Time to start another binge.

 

 

Hope that answers your question!

 

Eric

Answer 2

It depends.

It was not an effective study aid when I was an undergraduate student as I didn't even drink caffeinated beverages on a frequent basis and when caffeinated, I was unable to focus.  A full night's sleep and taking an exam on a leap of faith worked better than no rest and ultimately, being dehydrated.

As an adult and fully caffeinated on a daily basis, I do work in a supercharged industry better when I've had a cup after 10 or so hours.  But I still alternate caffeine with ample amounts of water.  Amazing how those headaches I once attributed to nauseating microbial physiology were just an obvious indication of dehydration. 

Answer 3

Caffeine is an antagonizer(bully, fighter) of a chemical called adenosine, basically that chemical you build up zoning out on the TV-it makes your brain shut down! Caffeine will overcome the adenosine chemical and increase neurotransmission- that means your nerves are firing, brain is humming at a faster pace, you are more alert and more receptive. So yes! Caffeine is a good study aide. HOWEVER. Large doses may cause anxiety! So stick to about 2 cups, don't chug red bulls! 

Answer 4

Caffeine has been shown to increase alertness and mood so drinking coffee before studying can be beneficial if someone is used to the effects of caffeine. If someone is not used to caffeine, it may cause anxiety, an inability to sit still, or jitteriness so that may not be useful for them while studying. Caffeine is already regarded as safe up to daily doses of 400mg per day in adults. However, caffeine has also been shown to improve long-term memory consolidation (in the form of coffee) at 200mg doses so this does seem promising as a study aid for retaining content days later.

Answer 5

The best study method is to put effort in over the quarter/semester, and then get a good nights sleep the night before the exam.  (Or, to work on the paper/project over time so you're not cramming--this is personal experience talking, unfortunately!)

 

That said, caffeine does affect people differently!  I, for example, wind up simultaneously exhausted and jittery if I consume caffeine in lieu of sleep.  So, not only am I unable to function smoothly, I can't hold still!  I have a close friend who discovered that caffeine actually puts him to sleep, which doesn't help much!  I can't lie--I'm a little jealous of those who can have caffeine and have it boost their mental productivity. (I do have coffee and carbs before the gym, it helps me then!)

 

I would argue that Redbull/Monster/etc are worse than coffee (both because of caffeine content and sugar content) as far as health goes.  

 

Someone else answered that water is great for studying--which is true!  If you are dehydrated, like most of us are especially if we're chugging coffee after coffee, your brain and body don't work so well.  

 

Bottom line: caffeine affects people differently, you'll have to explore how it affects you on your own.  Studying over time and getting proper sleep, as well as staying hydrated, is the best 'study tool'. 

 

 

 

 

Answer 6

This question is a little hard to answer because it depends a lot from person to person - some people actually get caffeine induced migraines and that would severely inhibit studying. It also depends on the nature of your sleep cycle. In general it is better to get more sleep and study during the day then stay up and try to cram. In emergencies we obviously can't do that and so fall back on caffeine or during stressful times like Finals Week.

Each person's body also has a different caffeine sensitivity and coffee and red bull, or other energy drinks, may affect them differently. I know red bull makes me really jitterry whereas coffee is a smoother buzz

Answer 7

Water is the best study beverage!!! You can Google the benefits of water and it is amazing.

Answer 8

In my opinion, drugs cannot substitute a good night's sleep.

Answer 9

I had my first child last summer and I would be on my back with a daisy in my hand and little x's over my eyes if it weren't for coffee.