Wikipedia has an article on power naps in which they mention the "caffeine nap". This is short nap, where you take a cup of coffee before the nap, and then benefit from the combined effect of the nap caffeine hit after the nap.
The generally recommended length of time for a power nap is about 15-30 minutes, any longer and you're likely to end up in deep sleep and feel terrible when you get up.
I've never been a big power napper, but I noticed it certainly can be refreshing, if you have the time or opportunity to take naps during the day. On long car journey's I'd definitely recommend ADDers take a nap if they're feeling tired, as sustaining attention for long periods of time isn't something most ADDers are particularly good at.
Showing posts with label Caffeine. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Caffeine. Show all posts
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Friday, December 22, 2006
Inattentive ADHD and Caffeine
At Johnath’s Blog there is an interesting article on the effects of Caffeine.
He makes the point that a stimulant like Caffeine is probably only useful if you are feeling tired. If you are already feeling tense and alert then Caffeine is likely to be counter-productive.
I have also read that the impact of caffeine varies between extroverts and introverts. Introverts are more likely to benefit from caffeine in the evening since they are more likely to be afternoon people, while extroverts are more likely to benefit from caffeine in the morning. Since people with Inattentive ADD tend to be introverts, they may benefit from using caffeine as an afternoon pick-me-up.
Many people with Inattentive ADD though have high anxiety levels, which are made worse by high levels of caffeine. This also means that they don’t tend to respond well to stimulant medication.
I usually only drink a couple of cups of tea in the morning and can’t sleep well if I drink caffeine in the evening.
He makes the point that a stimulant like Caffeine is probably only useful if you are feeling tired. If you are already feeling tense and alert then Caffeine is likely to be counter-productive.
I have also read that the impact of caffeine varies between extroverts and introverts. Introverts are more likely to benefit from caffeine in the evening since they are more likely to be afternoon people, while extroverts are more likely to benefit from caffeine in the morning. Since people with Inattentive ADD tend to be introverts, they may benefit from using caffeine as an afternoon pick-me-up.
Many people with Inattentive ADD though have high anxiety levels, which are made worse by high levels of caffeine. This also means that they don’t tend to respond well to stimulant medication.
I usually only drink a couple of cups of tea in the morning and can’t sleep well if I drink caffeine in the evening.
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