+ Wake up! Caffeine and Beyond

In today's society we're offered an array of options for staying awake and alert, from over the counter drugs, to energy drinks, to the trusted cup of coffee. An interesting study from Rush University Medical Center discusses the proper use of caffeine, which as it turns out, is different from how most of us use it:

The researchers propose a novel regimen, consisting of frequent low doses of caffeine, to help shift workers, medical residents, truck drivers, and others who need to stay awake get a bigger boost from their tea or coffee.

At the extreme end of staying alert is modafinil, which reportedly allows users to stay awake for 48 hours without side effects. CNN Health reports on this and the rest of a new breed of "lifestyle drugs" in Rise and Shine - Wake up to an enhanced life:

It may sounds like something from a J.G. Ballard novel, but a new breed of lifestyle drugs could allow us to choose how much we sleep, boost our memories and even allow us to enjoy ourselves more, without any side effects. Will they unleash human capabilities never seen before or create a dystopian 24-hour society where we are dependent on drugs to regulate our lifestyle and behavior?

Click here to read the full article.