Imagine that it is midnight, you have a long list of things to do, and you are about to get involved in an intense study session. What should a student do? Do you reach for a cup of coffee or do you prefer to drink water? Should you drink coffee for studying? How much coffee should you drink to study?
For many students, drinking coffee while studying is extremely popular, fueling numerous late-night study sessions in libraries. The real question is: Will coffee help you memorise? Does coffee actually help you concentrate?
Does coffee / caffeine really help you study better?
There are a lot of urban myths out there, so let’s examine the science today and provide you with a binding answer.
Are you ready?
Let’s begin.
The Science Of Caffeine
Caffeine is a potent natural stimulant. According to science, it belongs to the class of drugs known as psychoactive substances, which are stimulants that have an effect on the nervous system and alter mood, consciousness, perception, and behaviour.
Caffeine consumption alters how the central nervous system (CNS) functions and has a negative impact on the digestive, circulatory, and respiratory systems of the body.
Adenosine Blocker: Caffeine works as an adenosine receptor antagonist. Adenosine is a neurotransmitter that encourages sleepiness and relaxation. By blocking adenosine, caffeine keeps you alert and awake.
Neurotransmitter Release: Caffeine stimulates the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine. Better concentration is the result of these chemicals’ enhancement of mood, concentration, and cognitive function.
Improved Alertness: Caffeine increases the production of adrenaline, the “fight or flight” hormone, which boosts alertness and helps you stay attentive during tasks.
Enhanced Memory: Some studies suggest that caffeine may enhance memory consolidation, helping students retain information better.
Dose Matters: Choosing the proper caffeine dosage is important. Too much can lead to jitteriness and anxiety, which can hinder concentration. It’s generally advised to limit your daily caffeine intake to 200–400 mg (roughly 1-2 cups of coffee).
Timing is Everything: Strategic coffee consumption, such as before studying, can enhance focus. But consuming caffeine too late in the day may interfere with sleep and make it difficult to concentrate the next day.
Individual Variations: Caffeine affects individuals differently. While some people can tolerate higher doses without experiencing any side effects, others are more sensitive to its effects.
Let’s Explore Benefits Coffee Has For Students
You probably don’t get enough sleep when you’re a student. Yes, we were in college, I assure you. For this reason, we think coffee is the best beverage for students to consume in the morning.
According to research, coffee’s caffeine can increase wakefulness levels and prevent sleep deprivation. Cramming your studies can help you, as a student, to keep going after a late night of studying.
An altered sleep schedule can cause drowsiness, which can increase the risk of errors. This only delays the need for sleep; it does not entirely eliminate it. You will eventually need to sleep through the night. Coffee merely serves to postpone this moment until after all of your deadlines.
How Long Before An Exam Should I Drink Coffee?
The ideal time to consume coffee before an exam can vary from person to person, but here’s a general guideline to consider:
Timing: Drinking coffee between 30 and 60 minutes prior to your exam is advised. This allows enough time for caffeine to enter your bloodstream and start affecting your alertness and concentration.
Avoid Overconsumption: Stick to a moderate amount of caffeine. Typically, one cup of coffee, which has 80–100 mg of caffeine, is enough to increase alertness. Overindulgence can cause nervousness and anxiety, which can be negative during an exam.
Oh..! You Love Coffee Right?
According to Nestle, coffee can increase your focus and concentration, which is super important when cramming for a test or finishing up that essay. You might study more effectively if you have a little coffee.
You might also benefit in terms of your short-term memory. Caffeine helps you to remain alert and reduces the effects of fatigue or tiredness, ultimately helping you to retain more information in your short term memory that you’ll need for your exam.
Because coffee promotes alertness, it also helps you study for longer periods of time. Try a cup of coffee if you want to fit in a full day of studying without boredom or fatigue getting in the way, but be careful not to overdo it because sleep is important.
