All the activity causes the pituitary gland to release adrenaline, which causes one to be more alert. In addition, caffeine increases levels of dopamine in the body, giving the individual a "high" similar to but not as intense as one brought on by cocaine or heroin (soundmedicine.iu.edu.).
Time Magazine conducted a survey on individuals who ingest caffeine on a daily basis. The survey found that the vast majority of those surveyed reported they "feel less drowsy, less fatigued, and more capable of rapid and sustained intellectual effort after consuming caffeine," (Richards 42.).
Methods and Materials.
The first step in conducting this experiment was finding the control and experimental groups. For this experiment, each individual was part of both groups. A panel of 16 individuals was established, comprised of four teenagers, four young adults (20-35,) four middle-aged adults (36-59,) and four senior citizens (60-80.) Two individuals of each sex were present within each age group. Each individual selected was carefully examined to determine positively that they did not suffer from any condition that would contribute to an uncontrollable feeling of fatigue or hyperactivity.
Once the individuals were selected for experimentation, they were assigned a certain amount of time they were allowed to sleep each night, as well as a regulated diet, one that includes little or no caffeine. Each morning, at a designated time, the individuals were woken and given a detailed questionnaire inquiring information on how they felt after the night's sleep they received. After filling the questionnaire out, they then took a computerized test that determined their level of awareness, ability to concentrate, and overall alertness. Directly following this, all members received the same breakfast, containing little or no caffeine, but did not all receive the same beverages. Subjects unknowingly received either decaf or highly caffeinated coffee, after strides were taken to ensure they tasted identical.
