Study: Small Doses of Caffeine Best to Stay Awake 146
Ralph writes "This study concludes that smaller doses of caffeine throughout the day are more effective in keeping awake for long hours, rather than the traditional morning mug of coffee. However, in many cases, myself included, the problem isn't staying awake for long hours, but rather using uptime efficiently. Any known cures for the "laziness disorder" out there?"
Slashdot isn't it (Score:5, Funny)
Re:Slashdot isn't it (Score:5, Interesting)
I have a theory that all of this "extra" energy could be of consequence later in life (shorter lifespan maybe?), but I have no way to quantify something like that; so I won't speculate.
I'm just pointing out my own first hand experiences - as always, YMMV.
Re:Slashdot isn't it (Score:1)
But if you look at people in society who stay active all the time, they tend to be the ones who stay productive late in life.
I have the exact same problem as you; my college schedule has no classes on Wed and Fri, so I sleep in until 11:30 and the day is wasted. I'd be better off with class at nine in the morning daily. Exercise is starting to help me get back on track..
Re:Slashdot isn't it (Score:2)
I don't really have this problem, if I get up at noon, I'm up until 6 the next day and stuff gets done.
Of course, if I get up at 6, I still don't do anything until 2pm... I think my brain forgot what time zone I live in..
Small doses, eh? (Score:5, Funny)
Re:Small doses, eh? (Score:5, Funny)
IV drip.
Re:Small doses, eh? (Score:5, Funny)
I read this and then spent several seconds trying to figure out how you could give someone an IV without them knowing it.
I must need a Coke.
Re:Small doses, eh? (Score:1)
Re:Small doses, eh? (Score:2)
+/- 1, Evil (Score:2)
Re:Small doses, eh? (Score:1, Interesting)
Re:Small doses, eh? (Score:1)
BTW, do you have trouble sleeping?
Re:Small doses, eh? (Score:3, Informative)
Dunno, but I find that chunks of 70+% bitter chocolate at regular intervals (every half hour or so) seems to keep me awake till the well after dawn when I play FPS's. Then again, I guess the FPS itself is stressful, so would tend to prolong wakefullness, but still, the chocolate seems to do something.
There's Caffeine, as well as other stimulants (theobromine IRC) in chocolate, so it's not too surprising I guess.
Re:Small doses, eh? (Score:3, Informative)
Also note that, while tea leaves have more caffeine by mass than coffee beans, the resulting liquid has less.
MY_FAVORITE_TEA="Earl Grey"
Re:Small doses, eh? (Score:3, Interesting)
Also, the caffeine in tea is a different isomer than the caffeine in coffee (and both are different from the caffeine in chocolate).
The caffeine in coffee tends to have a greater physiological effect than in the other forms of ingestion.
Re:Small doses, eh? (Score:2)
Actually, according to the Tea FAQ [ripco.net] from rec.food.drink.tea, caffeine is one of the most readily-dissolved materials in the tea, and most of it makes it into the water in the first 20-30 seconds of steeping.
Are you equating "strong" with "caffinated"? That's a pretty common misconception; a lot of time something tastes stronger but actually has less caffeine in it. Compare dark to light roast coffee, for example;
Re:Small doses, eh? (Score:1)
Re:Small doses, eh? (Score:1)
Re:Small doses, eh? (Score:4, Informative)
(Diet coke)
Carbonated water, caramel color, phosphoric acid, sodium saccharin, potassium benzoate (to protect taste), natural flavors (vegetable source), citric acid, caffeine, potassium citrate, aspartame, dimethylpolysiloxane. Phenylketonurics: Aspartame contains phenylalanine. Use of saccharin in this product may be hazardous to your health. This ingredient has been determined to cause cancer in laboratory animals.
Other than the obvious saccharin warning on the label, a quick search on aspartame [google.com] makes me never want to drink a diet beverage again. Not to mention all the horrible things corn syrup can contribute to. I stopped the soda thing not too long ago, and I'm not looking back.
Aspartame (Score:1, Informative)
Re:Small doses, eh? (Score:5, Informative)
The NIH did a study on the effect of saccharin use in humans. It determined that it does not cause bladder cancer (the only type observed) if used in moderate doses and for people who used it in very excessive doses, it only slightly raised their risk (this is why Congress removed the label 'use of this product may be hazardous to your health' in 2000. It does cause cancer in lab rats due to a different mechanism (different receptors and enzymes) that does not apply to humans. The benefits to your oral health that saccharin gives greatly outweighs any uncertainty about it causing cancer in lab rats or being 'certified to cause cancer in the state of California'.
Saccharin is just another food product that has been irrationally rejected by the masses due to unfounded potential risks. Just like irradiated food (which can be preserved for a long time without use of preservatives--which are in many cases harmful to your health) and GM crops.
Re:Small doses, eh? (Score:2)
I have a friend who used to put a saccharine tablet into each Diet Coke before he drank it. Yikes.
Re:Small doses, eh? (Score:3, Interesting)
Yes, the old "Frankenfoods" argument. And yet, the vast majority of GM crops were produced not by careful, Photoshop-style cutting and pasting of genes but by either A.) irradiation, or B.) chemicals designed to speed up the process of cellular division and mutation. In other words, scientists pretty much accelerate the ordinary processes of nature, and any beneficial mutations come up are flukes -- but
Re:Small doses, eh? (Score:2)
While eating GM crops is almost definitely a non-issue... We have NO HOPE of having any idea what the cummulative long term consequences are for all GM crops.
If the GM crops are modified to be infertile (as most of them are), then they can't reproduce. You've already said that eating them is safe - therefore, what are the alternative issues?
Re:Small doses, eh? (Score:2)
by the all-knowing State of California and the environmentalist lobby.
You imply that the environmentalist lobby is "all-knowing"... even though it's sarcastic.
Just want to point out that if "environmentalists" really cared about the environment, they'd have useful degrees in math, science or engineering. Instead, they do "Women's Studies" or art history, then talk about scientific policy from their ignorance, and the masses believe them because they're "educated".
The world is all about change. To unders
zerg (Score:5, Insightful)
Re:zerg (Score:3, Funny)
Or at least it was when I had a girlfriend. Which seemed to be the case a lot more before I started reading Slashdot. Hmmmm. And the house was cleaner too!
Re:zerg (Score:3, Funny)
-Adam
Re:zerg (Score:1)
Re:zerg (Score:2)
Burn the candle at both ends (Score:2)
Then at the weekend all I need is asprin to overcome the caffine withdrawl headaches.
Espresso, huh? (Score:2)
Re:Espresso, huh? (Score:2)
My local bar does offer a very wide range of coffee beans, and they slip a little dark chocolatte onto the side of the cup. Perhaps I will try some of the lighter beans.
Re:Espresso, huh? (Score:2)
It'll be cheaper, fresher, and you can control how light you want it to be.
All you need to get started is an old hot air popcorn popper (with vents on the sides, not a screen on the bottom). Just throw the beans in, and cook until the color is right.
I tend to go for a lighter roast - American to Full City [baldmountaincoffee.com] or so.
I used to use a popcorn popper, until I found a nice roaster on clearence for $15.
Re:Burn the candle at both ends (Score:1)
If it was just 'found' today (Score:5, Informative)
It would be a Schedule 1 drug, right next to heroin, cocaine, pot, and peyote.
It satisfies the requirements of addiction, acute withdrawal, and abnormal body functions while partaking of it, along with long-term physiological affects.
When you say you need your fix, you are closer to the truth than you think!
Note-I don't necessarily agree with the above, but that's the way it is.
Re:If it was just 'found' today (Score:3, Funny)
Now excuse me while I prime up a vein for my afternoon fix of caffeine.
Re:If it was just 'found' today (Score:4, Interesting)
Also, it is not that addictive. I have never had a problem quitting. It is true that I have always started again, eventually (typically a copuple months later), but I think that is just because I am weak willed.
Re:If it was just 'found' today (Score:2)
I've quit caffeine several times.
The withdrawal headaches aren't as bad as migraines. Quite. They can still leave you on the floor, literally, if they catch you at the wrong moment. It varies from person to person, ya know?
Re:If it was just 'found' today (Score:1)
The rest needs Imigran (Swedish name, dunno what that might be elsewhere) - excellent drug. Makes me feel twice as awake and really sharp aswell.
Re:If it was just 'found' today (Score:1)
Re:If it was just 'found' today (Score:3, Interesting)
If I need to stay up now I try to eat pe
Re:If it was just 'found' today (Score:1)
That's the flush feeling of having to sit on the toilet for about 30 minutes...
Re:If it was just 'found' today (Score:1)
Re:If it was just 'found' today (Score:2)
"It burns! It burns!"
Re:If it was just 'found' today (Score:2, Interesting)
With all due respect, fuck you. It all depends on physiology and the amount that you used to ingest. Maybe you were used to a few cups of coffee a day, and your body handled the lack well; I was drinking something like two 2-liters a day, and when I stopped cold turkey, I was quite fucked up for about four days. Horrible headaches, complete exhaustion, ev
Re:If it was just 'found' today (Score:5, Insightful)
Secondly, the parent post was pointing out the hypocricy of US drug laws, and they're quite right- marijuana, for one, isn't nearly as addictive and withdraw, even for a very heavy smoker, is typically not bad at all. Also, a vast majority of people who have at some point smoked pot regularly quit by their thirties. Can coffee drinkers say the same?
Re:If it was just 'found' today (Score:2, Insightful)
First, let me break down your mindless statement by tackling the "legal" and "cheaper" parts at the same time. It is unarguable the legality of certain substances that causes a drastic rise in their prices. The fact of the matter is, virtually ANYTHING on the black market is more expensive (with the exception of warez hehe).
And finally, whoever said that someone was going to be doing it at work? For that matter, lets assume that you are talkin
Sure... (Score:2)
(Ten years ago, I heard a smoking friend really say she could quit anytime she wanted. I still needle her. :-)
Re:If it was just 'found' today (Score:1)
Re:If it was just 'found' today (Score:1)
BUT
I can also say that after one cup of coffee at work 30 minutes after I start working will allow me to absorb myself into what I'm doing. I'll get 'much more' done.
-Tim
Re:If it was just 'found' today (Score:2)
It's really hard for most people to stay off of caffeine, I think, primarily because a regular low dose of caffeine doesn't have particularly significant side effects, so there's very little motivation to quit for good.
Personally, I drink a cup of
Re:If it was just 'found' today (Score:2)
Re:If it was just 'found' today (Score:2, Informative)
Re:If it was just 'found' today (Score:3, Informative)
Schedule I drugs are those highly addictive drugs that have no accepted medical use. Caffeine has a plethora of medical uses (most importantly for treatment of breathing problems and to increase the effectiveness of certain pain relievers).
The abuse potential most certainly not on the same level as heroin. Indeed, there is some serious debate [psych.org] about whether caffeine is truly addictive at all.
Re:If it was just 'found' today (Score:2)
Nonsense. Many Schedule I drugs are non-addictive, and a fairly good number of them were used theraputically with good results before they were unilaterally banned. "addictive and medically useless" may be the excuse they offer for classifying things Sched I, but it's not necessarily true.
Re:If it was just 'found' today (Score:2)
Interestingly, most cultures historically have used one of the mild stimulants widely while prohibiting others, with the "good" one chosen practically at random
Re:If it was just 'found' today (Score:3, Funny)
It would be a Schedule 1 drug, right next to heroin, cocaine, late night redeye programming sessions, pot, tobacco, kernel rebuilds, alcohol, marijuana, Everquest, peyote, Neverwinter Nights, etc, etc, etc...
It satisfies the requirements of addiction, acute withdrawal, and abnormal body functions while partaking of it, along with long-term physiological affects similar to Cowboy Neal's.
When you say you need your fix, you are closer to
Re:If it was just 'found' today (Score:2, Informative)
Re:If it was just 'found' today (Score:2)
Re:If it was just 'found' today (Score:1)
That doesn't mean possession of each of those are equally serious offences, I hope?
Re:If it was just 'found' today (Score:2, Insightful)
Would people sell themselves for another fix of it?
Would somebody REALLY sell themselves for a cup of coffee? Would you sleep with someone you hate or are repulsed by just so you can get a cup of coffee?
Get off the scare tactic wagon.
Re:If it was just 'found' today (Score:1)
[Not that I can see somebody drinking one cup of coffee and getting addicted immediately; the high you get, while physically and mentally addictive, isn't so powerful that many people would be willing to trade their normal life for destitute caffine addiction.]
Re:If it was just 'found' today (Score:1)
'using uptime efficiently' (Score:1)
Have to ask....... (Score:3, Funny)
Re:Have to ask....... (Score:1)
Here's a good solution: (Score:4, Funny)
hostinfo
slashdot.org 127.0.0.1
-Adam
Re:Here's a good solution: (Score:4, Funny)
Small Doses of Caffeine Best to Stay Awake?! (Score:2, Funny)
What about LARGE doses at regular intervals? I'd say that's best.
Anyway, as for the small amounts, that's where Penguin Mints [thinkgeek.com] from ThinkGeek come in handy =P
Re:Small Doses of Caffeine Best to Stay Awake?! (Score:2)
Rx: "laziness disorder" (Score:5, Informative)
(2) Daily exercise.
(3) Sound nutrition.
My personal experience: I'm a total coffee fiend. But since I've followed the above guidelines, I don't go through withdrawal when I skip a day and I don't have mid afternoon sleepiness.
Innovative and radical, I know, but... (Score:2, Insightful)
Re:Innovative and radical, I know, but... (Score:2, Interesting)
I would but I need the paycheck.
Dear God, why doesn't someone do a useful study and figure out why I struggle to keep my eyes open all day at work but the moment I am home I feel wide awake!
Re:Innovative and radical, I know, but... (Score:2)
Re:Innovative and radical, I know, but... (Score:4, Interesting)
Anyway, you'll NEVER "fix" your clock, because there's nothing wrong with it. The problem is with something I'm overly fond of calling "Circadian Discrimination". You're a gay mulato Muslim? NO problem! As long as you're a morning person.
All you can do is work around it. Either by using sleep and wake techniques or by changing your schedule. You can make the early schedule Tolerable, or you can try to arrange an Enjoyable later schedule.
The other thing that helps tremendously is a job that doesn't bore you to death.
energy and motivation (Score:3, Funny)
Re:energy and motivation (Score:1, Interesting)
Re:energy and motivation (Score:1, Flamebait)
If your doctor won't give you Ritalin (Score:1)
Avoid cocaine in its HCl and freebase forms. The only coke you want is vanilla [vanillacoke.com] whose active ingredient is caffeine.
Like SPEED (methamphetamine) and cocaine, RITALIN (methylphenidate) is a schedule II controlled substance. If your doctor won't give you methamphetamine, then just watch this video [newgrounds.com] and get at least some of the effect.
To get motivated... (Score:1)
Re:To get motivated... (Score:3, Informative)
"Lazyness" is NORMAL (Score:5, Insightful)
I hadn't felt that way at Uni that I could remember and I really just couldn't place my finger on why I felt like that.
Anyway, long story short, I left paid employment a year ago to go freelance, and it didn't take long for me to realise why I was feeling so lazy before. Put simply, it just takes me a while to get rolling, perhaps 6, 7, 8 hours between the time I get up and the time when I am ready to work. Once I'm ready then I am quite happy to work 10 hours straight without so much as a snack (provided the diet coke is close at hand of course).
I learnt that trying to work before I was in the mood is simply counter productive, I'll be easily distracted, I'll be grumpy and I'll probably get frustrated. But if I just relax and be lazy for a few hours then I'll soon be ready to code all night.
I had a similar philosophy when it came to studying at Uni (and school), if I wasn't in the mood for it then there was no point even trying because I wouldn't be able to concentrate so my time was better spent on other things until I felt like studying.
My point is that lazyness is perfectly normal, everybody feels lazy sometimes, some more than others. If at all possible you should simply accept that you are feeling lazy and do -- precisely whatever you want to do; when you're ready to work you will.
Of course if your stuck in the 9-5 corporate world then you're screwed - your employers won't understand that you would be far more productive if you could choose your own hours.
Re:"Lazyness" is NORMAL (Score:2)
Solution: Wake up at 1.
Re:"Lazyness" is NORMAL (Score:1)
sadly... neither my employers nor my professors care that i am at my best when i sleep until noon and work until 4 am. for that matter, neither does the rest of the american world, which prefers that i do all my business between 9am and 5pm... times which, as we would both agree, i am basically asleep.
i guess i've got a cosmic prescription for failure.
Get rid of caffeine (Score:4, Interesting)
Re:Get rid of caffeine (Score:2)
When you're at work and you have tasks to accomplish but are feeling to sleepy to do them properly, cafeine is a tool to enhance your productivity.
Sure, its basically your boss medicating you so that you will be his tool, but if you're showing up for you're 9 to 5, you're already subjecting yourself to unhealthy living conditions for money...why n
Re:Get rid of caffeine (Score:1)
First, just because humans can survive without caffeine doesn't mean we should. I'm pretty sure your "hooked" on electricity but probably don't consider it a vice. Humans have existed without it for thousands of years and yet we don't seem to think its a problem. Yet it provides stimulation to keep us alert and awake (alarm clocks, Muzak, etc.) This is akin to what is commonly called the naturali
Not caffiene, but B12 (Score:4, Informative)
Re:Not caffiene, but B12 (Score:1)
Yerba Matte (Score:1)
I should also suggest yerba matte -- actually quite tasty and a different kind of herbal stimulant than caffeine
Re:Not caffiene, but B12 (Score:2)
OK, what is a good energy drink then? What should we drink?
red bull tastes like candy...
Marijuana. (Score:3, Insightful)
Re:Marijuana. (Score:2)
I do not doupt that your account is true and informative, but I do believe the guy was looking for a legal way to beat laziness.
Its hard to be productive when you're spending your days trying not to be shanked by all the murderers, rapists and crooked accountants the government decided you should spend the next 10 years with.
Re:Marijuana. (Score:4, Interesting)
And, to second the grandparent post- I find that small quantities are very helpful in quieting my anxiety and distaste in doing things I'd rather not, like laundry, dishes, etc. I find it somewhat difficult to code while stoned, though not impossible.
Re:Marijuana. (Score:1)
Procrastination... (Score:1)
Is coffee good or bad this week? (Score:1)
WRT addiction: without boring you with the details, some of us do suffer quite a bit when we give it up for a while. Quitting smoking was easier than giving up coffee, and that was no picnic.
--- If you think it's immoral or stupid to walk a mile in my shoes, I think it's immoral and stupid for you to pass judgement on me.
cocaina is good (Score:1)
Time release caffedrine - remembered, requested (Score:2)
On top of this I also was placed in the "air conditioner" room of my employer's "office" (the front 1/4 of his house) -- behind me was a very large window unit that pumped out A/C cold and white noise bold. Snore.
So while our NCR Tower did have a couple curses games, there was no FrozenBubble or "Stay Awake" Quake to assist a poor coding monkey (eep). Falling asleep just meant