Patrick Heinze > writes:

> However: Does anyone have suggestions on which tea to avoid when one
> intends to sit quite for a long time studying? Which ones do you prefer
> to calm down, yet achieving better concentration?

I'd avoid all tea. While caffeine, being a stimulant, will certainly
`wake you up' (increase alertness), it reduces concentration. For some
kinds of study or work this is not noticeable as the effect will make
one think more `laterally'. It's great for creative writing, for
instance. If you have to concentrate on a narrow, less natural topic,
however, such as a math problem, the caffeine is likely to cause a lot
of trouble. Similarly with reading, where your mind is not free to
think of anything it likes.

As far as drugs go, I hear nicotine is the best stimulant that will
aid concentration. Not that I suggest you take up smoking - you might
like to try some gum.

In my experience the best measures are to eat well - complex carbs so
you have sustained energy - and the occasional brisk walk. Say around
2am if you're working that late.

And plenty of bright light. Inhibits melatonin release, I think.

Cheers,

- Joel