Trying to cope with stress and increase productivity while preparing for exams, schoolchildren and students sometimes resort to the use of energy drinks, dietary supplements and even nootropics. However, they are inefficient and far from the safest ways to improve performance. Elena Igrineva, pediatrician and neonatologist at INVITRO-Voronezh, told socialbites.ca about this.
According to the expert, self-administration of nootropic drugs to improve cognitive functions during the busy period of preparing for exams is not only justified, but also dangerous, therefore it is categorically not recommended.
“The drugs have a complex mechanism of action, their own side effects, and are strictly prescribed for medical reasons,” he warned.
Also, the use of energy drinks is not recommended, since the components that make up their composition have an active stimulating effect on many body systems that are already under stress.
“The daily routine, appetite, sleep disturbances and increased irritability in a teenager under the influence of these substances may change, and as a result, the person may experience the opposite effect – a decrease in working capacity and problems with attention, as well as the development of addiction. The high doses of caffeine found in energy drinks may give you a short-term sense of energy, but the unnatural overstimulation of the nervous system will certainly do more harm than good, especially for a growing body. There may be increased anxiety, arrhythmia, difficulty falling asleep – all these negative consequences, combined with psychological stress, can tire a teenager in the stressful period of preparing for exams, ”said the doctor.
Energy drinks based on very sweet carbonated drinks kill the appetite, sometimes replacing full meals – the body does not receive nutrients, the energy level drops, and against this background, exacerbation of chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract is also possible, the doctor added.
“Since it is quite easy to overdose on energy drinks, it is better to refuse to take them altogether. Symptoms of anxiety can be expressed in the form of palpitations, pressure surges, shortness of breath, trembling of the limbs, emotional overstimulation, headaches. In acute conditions, as soon as possible before the doctors arrive it is necessary to call an ambulance in time – give clean water and fresh air, ”the pediatrician warned.
Formerly socialbites.ca Wrote how to train your brain before exams