Glugging down drinks, popping pills for exams

As the clock ticks away for the board exams, students seem to be fighting the race against time using energy drinks and memory supplements.

With parents too encouraging their children to go for caffeine-filled energy drinks for burning the midnight oil, and supplements for boosting memory and confidence, city psychiatrists are a worried lot. They warn that excessive consumption of such products could lead to caffeine addiction, increase calorie consumption of students and disturb their sleep cycle. Psychiatrists say they are getting an increasing number of cases of youngsters between the ages of 15 and 17 consuming such products during exam time.  

Prithvi Vyas, 17, who will appear for his HSC exams (science stream) on February 22, says, “There is a vast amount of portion left to be covered and revised. Throughout the day, I am busy with my classes, and at night, I have to fight exhaustion to revise on my own. I used to drink a lot of coffee, but it wasn’t strong enough. So these days, energy drinks are helping me stay awake. I know they could be harmful, but this is only for the exams.”

Parents too are supporting this. Akansha Dutta says, “I got pills for memory enhancement containing herbal extracts for my daughter. She has a problem retaining what she has studied. I consulted my physician; he said it was safe.”  

However, Dr Harish Shetty, psychiatrist, says, “There is no scientific evidence that such pills work. Also, consumption of too much caffeine can harm children psychologically. They may become restless and lose concentration, as their sleep cycle will get disturbed.”

Shetty says parents also give more milk and almonds to their children hoping to improve their memory, but these do not work either. “A balanced diet is required during exams. Enhancing energy is the key, and it can be achieved by sleeping for eight hours minimum and eating healthy food.”

Seema Hingorany, psychologist, seconds Shetty and says, “Parents should not fall in the trap of such ‘wonder’ pills.

Medicines should be given only if there is a deficiency in the child or if it has been prescribed by a physician. A balanced diet, getting plenty of rest and indulging in physical activities will help children study well.”