Many people rely on their morning boost of caffeine to get a jump-start on the morning. Coffee, energy drinks and sodas are ways that you can get a serving of caffeine and heighten your awareness. When it comes to academic performance, drinking small amounts of caffeine might be able to help you boost your concentration levels, which this can be beneficial to those who need to focus better in the classroom.
Caffeine
Caffeine is a natural stimulant found in the pods of a cacao plant, coffee beans, kola nuts and tea leaves, and used in both foods and medicines. Caffeine directly affects the central nervous system -- your brain and spinal cord -- which is responsible for the nerve activity throughout your body. Caffeine might be used in conjunction with painkillers or pain relievers to help relieve pain easier and faster. More commonly, caffeine can be found in your favorite coffee drink. Caffeine also can be consumed in foods such as chocolate or as an additive in certain recipes. Many products use caffeine and are advertised as providing an energy boost or increasing productivity.
Effects
The effects of caffeine on the central nervous system can be attractive to some students who feel groggy or unfocused when in the classroom. The initial affects of drinking one or two cups of coffee -- roughly 10 to 16 oz. -- can increase alertness, stimulate brain function and activity and speed up productivity. Caffeine also might eliminate sleepiness and brain fog. This is somewhat short-lived, as the effects of an initial caffeine boost subside within 90 minutes.
Benefits
Caffeine might be beneficial for isolated or short-term use. If you find that drinking a cup of coffee boosts concentration levels and helps you focus, it might help you ace an important test or final exam. If you suffer from attention deficit disorder, your doctor might prescribe medication that contains a stimulant or caffeine in it. This will likely be an extended-release tablet that can help you concentrate on class work throughout the day, as opposed to the sudden rush of coffee or an energy drink.
Precautions
After the initial caffeine high wears off, you might consider reaching for a third or fourth cup, but this is where caffeine ingestion can be dangerous. The effects of this much caffeine might include headaches, irregular or fast heart rate, nausea, elevated blood pressure, a jittery feeling, nervousness, dizziness and dehydration. All of this might followed by a crash of extreme tiredness or feelings of being worn down. Do not drink coffee in the evening or at night, as it can lead to insomnia and restless sleep.
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