Lyle said Health Services usually has one or two students who come in around exam time with symptoms of an overdose of caffeine or caffeine-type drugs. Pat Hughes, a pharmacist at Rite Aid Pharmacy in Murray, said a No Doz pill contains 200 milligrams of caffeine. The recommended dose is one half to one tablet every six hours. Hughes said it is better to drink a Mountain Dew or cup of coffee. The lack of sleep makes it harder for the student to focus on the answers, even though they know the information.
Sleep is a large factor when preparing for and taking final exams.
Lyle said the average college student should have six to seven hours of sleep before test day. Studying habits also contribute to test taking. Lyle said students should not study on a bed because it causes eye strain and drowsiness. She said music and TV are distractions while studying and should be on at a low volume. Snacking is also a distraction.