stimulants and alternatives to caffeine

Nutrition Q&A [Moderated]
1

Hi BBM

I’m a shift worker doing day and night shifts 50/50. The shifts are always 13 hours minimum. I am a habitual coffee drinker, but I often get agitated and jitters, even sometimes after just 1 coffee. I also find the effects of coffee/caffeine aren’t always enough to make me more awake on nights. Drinking coffee later in the shift can be a problem because it can affect my sleep later when I finish.

I was reading an article on stronger by science by Eric Trexler. He mentioned about co ingestion of L-theanine and L-tyrosine potentially having an increased effect of alertness.

I would like to know your opinion on these ingredients and; would appreciate any other advice you might have, on other stimulants that could be helpful in reducing the RPE of night shifts.

Many thanks

Mark

2

I don’t think either has enough evidence for me to recommend, especially for someone apparently sensitive to stimulants. I would consider lowering the dose and seeing how you do with caffeine, but I don’t think I’d be looking for other stimulants if that doesn’t work.

3

Ok thanks Jordan.