Creatine, a popular supplement used by athletes to improve physical performance, has been discovered to also enhance cognitive function during sleep deprivation. Researchers at Forschungszentrum Jülich conducted a study that found a high single dose of creatine temporarily improves processing capacity and short-term memory in individuals deprived of sleep. The study, published in Scientific Reports, warned against excessive creatine intake due to potential health risks but suggested potential cognitive enhancement with lower doses.
During the study, 15 participants were kept awake overnight and given a high single dose of creatine before performing cognitive tasks. The results showed a noticeable improvement in cognitive performance three hours after taking creatine, with the effects peaking after four hours and lasting up to nine hours. The researchers noted significant enhancements in processing capacity and short-term memory.
While creatine has been previously linked to improved cognitive performance, the study highlighted the short-term effects of creatine intake during sleep deprivation. Although high doses of creatine can strain the kidneys and pose health risks, future research may explore the cognitive benefits of lower doses. Overall, creatine shows promise as a potential tool for enhancing cognitive performance in challenging situations.
Vocabulary List:
- Creatine (noun): A popular supplement used by athletes to improve physical performance.
- Cognitive Function (noun): The mental processes associated with acquiring knowledge and understanding.
- Deprivation (noun): The lack or denial of something considered to be a necessity.
- Enhance (verb): To increase or improve the qualityvalueor extent of something.
- Capacity (noun): The maximum amount that something can contain or produce.
- Short-Term (adjective): Lasting for only a brief period.
