A student recently reminded me of the power nap, which is a 15-30 minute nap which is claimed to increase alertness significantly. Combined with caffeine intake (caffeine nap) it gives the best effect, because the effect of caffeine takes more than 15 minutes and thus does not interfere with the nap. Caffeine, by the way inhibits adenosine receptors in the brain, which in turn increases the activity of dopamine and glutamate. Glutamate is important for learning and memory, whereas the increased dopamine activity can explain the pleasure (and potential addiction) that comes from drinking coffee.
2 Comments
Book
10/24/2011 02:28:01 am
I take short naps all the time in college. Usually 20-25 minutes. I might try incorporating minimal intake of caffeine as well.
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Mr Hansson
11/3/2011 02:49:25 pm
Thanks for the links, Book, I only wonder how well researched they are.
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AuthorThis is my class blog for IB Psychology. Here I will publish reflections on psychology, reviews of psychology books, recommended links, lecture notes, and information on psychology topics that are not covered by the syllabus. You are free to add comments or ask me questions. Archives
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