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Sydney Cayas

Mr. Parmar

Anatomy

27, October 2015

The Affect of Caffeine on Alertness

Caffeine is a stimulant of the central nervous system. It is sometimes used to improve

mental processing. The physical effects of caffeine is not lasting and can be avoided by not

drinking it as much. Based oh historical events, the Ethiopians were the first people to discover

that the coffee bean plant could make humans gain energy. Coffee then expanded all around the

world. The consumption of caffeine is effective in many different ways.

The history of recent experiments shows an increase of selective attention and sustained

attention. Selective attention is focusing on the relevant stimulus whereas sustained attention is

maintaining focused attention over a period of time. Caffeine can give out a positive reaction in

terms of staying awake but it increases anxiety. A research group in 2010 did multiple

experiments on the effect of caffeine on alertness. To do this, they used non-habitual caffeine

consumers vs. habitual caffeine consumers. They discovered that the non-habitual consumers

needed at least two cups (200mg) of coffee which would make them alert. The habitual

consumers needed four cups (400mg) of coffee to capture their attention. When caffeine was

absorbed in the form of coffee, it was concluded that the people who drank less caffeine had the

highest rates of improvement. After the researchers did this experiment, it was proven that

caffeine activated the same brain areas in both the habitual and non-habitual consumers.

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During my experiment, I will test out the effect of caffeine on alertness. If I ask them a

simple question after one person consumed caffeine while the other person didn't, then I predict

that the person who consumed caffeine will answer first and have a high blood pressure. I will

record their blood pressure and the amount of time it took them to respond. The person who

didn't drink the caffeine would be the controlled variable. The caffeine would be the independent

variable. The blood pressure and time it takes to respond will be the dependent variable. Caffeine

has a molar mass of 194.19 grams (6.85 ounces). The molecular formula is C8H10N4O2. In my

experiment, I will let person #1 drink 24 grams of caffeine/coffee a couple hours before bed, and

person #2 relax and not drink. About two hours after consumption, I will ask both of them to

answer simple questions and record the amount of time it takes for them to respond. I will check

who responds faster and as well as measuring their blood pressure.

Another study was shown that people who went through R.E.M sleep did better on the

tests that were given than the people who didn't drink and just rested. R.E.M means rapid eye

movement which is a stage in the normal sleep guide when a dream happens and the body goes

through changes. Some changes it goes through is rapid eye movement, reflexes, and high pulse

rate. During the experiment, their brains were able to function better but they still became sleep

deprived. Sleep deprivation slows down their thinking process and mental intelligence while

handling stress. It is proven that while working at night and consuming 220mg of caffeine daily,

can reduce accidents. Drinking coffee before going to sleep increases sleep interia. This is when

the person has the urge to go back to bed. It is proven that one string drink of coffee with

caffeine is as effective as a 30 minute nap. This can come in handy when you don't have time to

take a nap.
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Although caffeine has positive effects such as staying awake and increasing alertness, it

also has its negative effect. The consumption of four to eight cups of coffee on a daily basis can

lead to death and cardiovascular problems. It is proven that consuming coffee six hours before

sleeping can show unwanted effects. It doesn't lead to dehydration. Caffeine is found in

chocolate, kola nuts, soft drinks, teas, etc. It is a very effective supplement but can be very

dangerous since it's not healthy drink. But if it consumed in moderation, it can form a healthy

diet while including positive outcomes.