Automated caffeine alertness

A web-based caffeine optimization tool successfully designs effective strategies to maximize alertness while avoiding excessive caffeine consumption, according to preliminary results from a new study released by American Academy of Sleep Medicine. 

Using multiple sleep-deprivation and shift-work scenarios, the researchers generated caffeine-consumption guidance using the open-access tool 2B-Alert Web 2.0, and then they compared the results with the US Army guidelines. Their analysis found that the solutions suggested by the quantitative caffeine optimization tool either required an average 40% less caffeine or enhanced alertness by an additional 40%.With this added capability, the 2B-Alert Web 2.0 tool now allows users to predict the alertness of an ‘average’ individual as a function of his or her sleep/wake schedule and caffeine schedule. It also enables users to automatically obtain optimal caffeine timing and doses to achieve peak alertness at the desired times.This freely available tool will have practical applications that extend beyond the realms of the military and the research lab.