Caffeine is Better Than Sleep

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Here’s good news for the night shift -

The New York Times science editor reports the results of several studies…

About 8.6 million Americans work night shifts, and for many of them fatigue is a serious problem…

Scientists have tried melatonin, prescription medications and light therapy to help relieve so-called shift work disorder, caused by disruptions in the body’s circadian rhythm.

But research shows that nothing seems to work quite as well as caffeine.

Scientists found that caffeine worked better than a placebo — and even naps — at reducing errors and improving performance on tasks including those involving memory, attention, perception, concept formation and reasoning.

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May 18, 2010 | Filed Under Caffeinated, Coffee Culture, Coffee Facts, Health | 1 Comment 

How Much Caffeine Is Enough?

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Three 8 oz. cups of coffee (about 250 milligrams of caffeine) per day is considered an average or moderate amount of caffeine.

Ten 8 oz. cups of coffee per day is considered excessive intake of caffeine.

How much caffeine a child receives should be closely monitored. Although caffeine is safe in moderate amounts, it may negatively affect a child’s nutrition. Caffeinated beverages may be replacing nutritious drinks such as milk. A child who consumes caffeine may also eat less, because caffeine suppresses the appetite.

There is no nutritional requirement for caffeine, so it can be completely restricted in a child’s diet. Caffeine is a stimulant. Avoiding caffeine may be necessary for a hyperactive child.

If you are pregnant or if you have coronary heart disease or peptic ulcers, your health care provider may recommend that you limit or avoid caffeine intake.

Many drugs will interact with caffeine. Consult with your health care provider or pharmacist about potential interactions with caffeine whenever you take medications.

More health information on caffeine and coffee is available from the National Institutes of Health.

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March 22, 2010 | Filed Under Caffeinated, Coffee Facts, Health | Leave a Comment 

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