170 Million Addicts

Caffeine. 55% to 90% of Americans consume it every day. And now caffeine is being hidden in products that don't just come in Starbucks cups. According to an article that I found on Time.com today, caffeine is now being infused into gum, lip-balm, mints, beer, candy, sunflower seeds, and even soap. One product that I have come across a few times lately while studying the affects of caffeine is called "blow." Its' name and packaging are both intended to resemble cocaine. The white powdered substance is sold in a plastic vile and is meant to be stirred into water or other drinks.

Although these products are making money, the affects of caffeine addiction and withdrawal can be uncomfortable. I for one developed the habit of drinking a venti latte, made with three shots of espresso, at the beginning of my work shift every night. By midnight, I would develop a splitting headache and would have to drink coke or another soda with caffeine in it in order for my headache to subside. After a week or so of this, I decided I was consuming way too much caffeine. I switched my regular venti latte to "half-caff"--a mix of part decaf and part regular. Since then my headaches haven't returned.

http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1663847,00.html?cnn=yes#

World Series Champions!!!!

So the Sox must have read my plea last week because they successfully swept the Rockies! Thanks boys! Today I'm going to crunch the Sox parade into my schedule by trying to take in as much as I can between my two classes. My mom called me yesterday and said everyone must be excited for the Sox but also relieved that they can start sleeping again...we'll see.

Free Time is Never Time Free

http://www.zshare.net/audio/4466280001d31b/

Sleep Loss Leads to Mental Illness

I came across a few new articles this week dealing w/ a study done by UC Berkley as well as the Harvard Medical School. Findings from the study have proved that sleep loss directly relates to psychiatric disorders. I better watch out...

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/10/071022124729.htm

NU Offers Time Management Coaches

Boston.com recently posted an article dealing with time management coaches that Northeastern is currently offering to the students in the Professional and Continuing Studies program. Adults in the program can choose to team up with a personal coach who they will hold weekly phone calls with. The coach will help the student to plan his or her time, to better juggle full-time work schedules and college courses which are taken at night and during the weekend.

Northeastern says in the article that only half of their continuing students graduate as it is difficult to take classes, work full-time and also raise a family, as in some students' cases. NU is one of only 13 schools nationwide that has hired the company InsideTrack to provide the coaches to the university.

I seriously doubt that NU will ever decide to offer the same benefits to their Undergrad students. I wonder if they did extend the availability of the coaches to undergrads, if students would take advantage of it. I for one, consider myself too stubborn and independent to be willing to take advice from a time management coach. The coaches do seem better suited to adult students who need to live by stricter schedules than younger students may have to. For example, I could pull an all-nighter to get a project done if it was necessary. But a mother who needs to get her kids ready for school in the morning could definitely not consider this option.

http://www.boston.com/news/education/continuing/articles/2007/10/23/nu_offers_coaching_for_adult_students/

Napping is Natural

I love to nap. Lately I haven't had much time to squeeze in a really good one though. I often long for the days of last semester which I filled with Spanish-style siestas. I recently came across this article which describes the idea that humans were evolutionarily made to take naps during the afternoon and that a nap as little as ten minutes can actually be very beneficial. It also says that naps should not last more than 45 minutes, to avoid falling into a deep sleep cycle and becoming too groggy. I think I'll definitely try to fit in a good 45 minutes between my last class and work tonight.

http://www.talkaboutsleep.com/sleep-disorders/archives/insomnia_drjacobs_benefits_of_naps.htm

Sox: Please sweep so I can sleep!!

Don't get me wrong: I am STOKED that the Sox came back to win the ALCS. BUT, I do recognize that entering the World Series means another few weeks of even less sleep. With all these after 8 pm games that don't end until around midnight, I know I definitely won't be getting to bed any earlier on my nights off. This past weekend I had Sunday night off. I should have been at home prepping for my midterms this week and getting a good night's rest. But instead I was huddled around the plasmas at Cask n' Flagon watching every victorious play. My biggest hope for this series is that the Sox sweep the Rockies. That would definitely be a great "win, win" situation for me. Not only would we be the World Series team winner but it would also free up a little bit more time for myself.