David R. Gray, Jr. Discusses Recent Studies Focusing on Coffee Consumption and Academic Performance

 

Coffee has had something of a frustrating history with regard to the multitude of studies evaluating its health benefits and risks, as each subsequent study seems to suggest something entirely different than what had previously been accepted as fact. There were studies linking coffee consumption with an increased cancer risk, but it was later realized that the study did not adequately control for the fact that many coffee drinkers studied during this time were also tobacco users. Recent studies have been more positive than negative, but David R. Gray, Jr. notes that caffeine may not necessarily possess the academic performance-enhancing capabilities so frequently associated with its consumption.

One study divided regular coffee drinkers into two groups, one of which was provided with a dose of caffeine equivalent to the amount found in close to three cups of coffee while the other received a simple placebo. The 
caffeinated group seemed to perform better on a number of academic-related tests and reported lower levels of fatigue than the control group, but researchers cautioned that the control group’s relative struggles may have actually been evidence of the adverse impact of caffeine withdrawal rather than the positive impact of caffeine consumption.

While the jury still seems to be out regarding coffee and caffeine consumption, it is plainly evident that coffee — or any other caffeinated beverage for that matter — is not a cure-all for a lack of sleep, so those engaged in academic pursuits should ensure they manage their time well and get plenty of sleep if they truly wish to enjoy a successful academic career.

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