Staring at a computer screen for hours is no fun. Staring at a computer screen for hours when you can’t focus is a nightmare. There have been many studies done on the effects of caffeine. One such study indicates that “The short-term effects include an increase in blood pressure (a health hazard for some) and elevate neural activity in many parts of the brain.” The result ends up being the postponement of sleepiness. Well that’s what you want right? You’re working on the CCNA, NP, IE (Really any test you can think of) and you have a limited time to prepare. What do you do? Many turn to the effects caffeine has on the body. Coffee, multi-hour energy shots as well as a slew of energy drinks have become commonplace today. While they may keep you awake, the question is, are all their effects for the good?
Negative Effects May Be Lurking
The positive effect one seeks in using Caffeine is related to it’s action on the nervous system. The negative effects are also related to the nervous system. Some known effects include:
Another negative effect, as discussed in the article “How Caffeine Affects Test Taking in College Students” states that the effects that people seek in taking caffeine is reversed as it wears off. Still it’s been seen that the effects differ from person to person.
What Should You Do?
Simply put; Know Your Limits. The reason I bring this topic up is that in my personal CCIE studies I would put my children to bed at 9:30 PM and then down an energy drink. It gave me the energy I needed to study until 3 AM some nights. Did that time benefit me? To a certain degree I believe it did, but not to the level of quality that I would have liked. I often found that I would get to the point where I had to walk away because I couldn’t think clearly anymore. I wasn’t “tired” so-to-speak, but I was lacking the ability to focus. So in your personal studies take it easy and spend some time searching for the study method that will give you the most beneficial, most enjoyable experience. You may discover that your studies may not include the use use of caffeine.
Sources:
<li><a href="http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/caffeine/NU00600">http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/caffeine/NU00600</a></li>
<li><a href="http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/bb/neuro/neuro99/web3/Howard.html">http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/bb/neuro/neuro99/web3/Howard.html</a></li>
<li><a href="http://connected.waldenu.edu/issues-in-education/school-health-and-safety/item/1142-how-caffeine-affects-test-taking-college-students">http://connected.waldenu.edu/issues-in-education/school-health-and-safety/item/1142-how-caffeine-affects-test-taking-college-students</a></li>
<li><a href="http://clearinghouse.missouriwestern.edu/manuscripts/204.php">http://clearinghouse.missouriwestern.edu/manuscripts/204.php</a></li>
I once woke up in the middle of the night yelling at the wife for “Messing with My Configs”.