Caffeine and brain - Does High dose caffeine sharpens the mind?

10. Consuming lots of caffeine is a good way to sharpen your thinking and brain?

False. Modest amounts of caffeinated drinks-as little as one-third of a cup of brewed coffee-can help people maintain mental focus during monotonous tasks. In one trial, college-age volunteers who drank a cup of coffee beforehand fought off fatigue and absorbed new information better than those who drank decaf. But large amounts of caffeine can make you jittery and, in turn, impede concentration and memory. Moreover, relying on caffeine as a substitute for sleep when you're trying to learn may be self-defeating. Brain studies in rats show that certain chemical and physical signs of absorbing new information increase during deep sleep.

More significant, other research indicates that people retain new material better if they follow the mental workout with either a long nap or a good night's sleep.

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