7 Best Nootropics for Studying
Got a big exam or a challenging oral recitation coming up? Take a look at our list of the best nootropics for studying to help you get prepared for that very important day.
Table of Contents
1. Modafinil
What is Modafinil?
Founded in the 1970s by French professor Michel Jouvet, Modafinil or Provigil (its brand name) was originally used to treat narcolepsy due to its ability to promote wakefulness. Today it’s one of the most popular nootropics for studying, giving its users the ability to stay focused and alert for long periods. Ever since it got approved by the FDA, it’s been prescribed by physicians to help people who have issues with memory and attention span.
How does Modafinil work?
Modafinil’s main mechanism affects the hippocampus, the amygdala, and the thalamus’s centrolateral nucleus. It also affects neurotransmitters in the brain such as dopamine, norepinephrine, epinephrine, serotonin, GABA and glutamate.
All these chemicals play a key role in helping improve your mental function. As a result, you make better decisions, learn faster, and focus for longer periods, making Modafinil arguably one of the best nootropics for studying to date.
Take Modafinil for nights where you plan to do some intense, focused studying. If you lack sleep because you stayed up all night preparing for that big examination, take Modafinil the next day, too. It’s a great brain supplement to help you stay focused no matter what ails you.
How much Modafinil should I take?
Start with a low dosage of 100 mg and see how it works for you. To amplify its effects, you can increase it to 200 mg per day. Only take it during busy school days or when studying for an important exam.
2. Smart Caffeine
What is Smart Caffeine?
Smart Caffeine is one of the less complicated nootropic supplements in the market. It only contains L-theanine and caffeine which work synergistically to provide you that smooth, long-lasting energy needed to get through the hardest academic challenges.
How does Smart Caffeine work?
The caffeine in Smart Caffeine acts as a stimulant that helps you stay alert while the L-theanine balances with its calming effect. The nootropic doesn’t give you the jitters or antsy feeling that comes after hours of drinking caffeinated beverages.
How much Smart Caffeine should I take?
Take 1 to 2 capsules of Smart Caffeine first thing in the morning or at least an hour before your exams. Don’t drink coffee or tea with it because they are stimulants that might interact with the supplement.
I recommend taking the supplement on the day of the exam (and not the night before) because it will give you that alertness that you need to perform well. If you didn’t get enough sleep the night before, Smart Caffeine will make sure all that hard work is not put to waste. It not only helps you feel awake but it also increases your focus and improves your cognitive function.
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3. CILTEP
What is CILTEP?
CILTEP (Chemically Induced Long Term Potentiation) is an all natural nootropic by Natural Stacks which helps you memorize information better and stay motivated thanks to its ability to increase the number of messenger systems inside your brain cells. Unlike other nootropics, CILTEP doesn’t manipulate transmitters nor does it stimulate the central nervous system.
How does CILTEP work?
CILTEP works by inhibiting the enzyme PDE4 which then increases cAMP levels. This molecule helps stimulate certain genes involved in long-term potentiation. As a result, you retain information better and you’re able to stay awake longer. If you’d like to improve your memory and cognition skills, CILTEP is the nootropic to try.
How much CILTEP should I take?
Take 1 to 3 capsules of CILTEP in the morning on an empty stomach. Its effects lasts between 8 to 14 hours so keep that in mind when deciding to take CILTEP at a later time of the day. You must at least be 18 years old in order to take CILTEP.
4. Acetylcholine Brain Food
What is Acetylcholine Brain Food?
Acetylcholine is a naturally occurring chemical in the brain that’s associated with learning, memory, and cognition. Several studies have linked ACh deficiency to conditions like ADHD, dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
Acetylcholine cannot be produced synthetically but there are supplements that help boost the release of this neurotransmitter in your brain. One such supplement is Acetylcholine Brain Food which contains ingredients that support the production of the chemical:
- Alpha GPC
- Vitamin B1
- Pantethine
- White peony extract
- Acetyl-L-Carnitine
How does Acetylcholine Brain Food work?
Acetylcholine Brain Food promotes neuroplasticity, allowing neurons to communicate with each other more effectively. The nutrients in it act as precursors which selectively optimize neurotransmitters in the brain. Rather than relying on ready-made chemicals from the outside, Acetylcholine Brain Food serves as a building block which then allows the body to naturally produce the chemicals required to help you stay focused.
How much Acetylcholine Brain should I take?
Take 2 to 4 capsules of Acetylcholine Brain per day and avoid taking more than 8 a day. It’s always best to start at the lowest dosage and gauge your need from there.
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5. Qualia Mind
What is Qualia Mind?
Qualia Mind is a premium nootropic consisting of over a dozen brain-boosting ingredients. All the nutrients in it have been formulated at just the right amounts to promote well-being and optimal mental performance.
How does Qualia Mind work?
What makes Qualia Mind different from other nootropic supplements for studying is its whole system approach. This means that it doesn’t only affect the brain but also the mind and body.
The benefits of Qualia Mind include:
- Neuroprotection
- Enhanced memory
- Enhanced learning
- Reduced stress
- Less brain fog
- Long-lasting energy
- Stronger willpowder
Qualia Mind works best when you are in good health, meaning you’re getting the right amount of sleep and you’re not overly stressed. Don’t try use it as a replacement for caffeine. If you’re well-prepared for an exam but you want to get that extra boost, taking Qualia Mind will help.
How much Qualia should I take?
To get the benefits of Qualia Mind, you need to take 7 capsules on an empty stomach. You may need to take more as the effect can vary by person’s weight and sensitivity. However, don’t let it exceed to 10 capsules at once or more than 12 in a day.
Order Neurohacker Collective’s Qualia
6. GABA Brain Food
What is GABA Brain Food?
GABA is another naturally occurring neurotransmitter that helps promote mental calmness. It’s a self-inhibiting compound that acts as a brake for excitability, restlessness, and irritability.
There are certain foods and supplements you can take to increase the production of GABA in the brain. An example is GABA Brain Food. Its ingredients include GABA, L-Citrulline, rosemary extract, and grapeseed extract all of which act as precursors and cofactors to this specific chemical.
How does GABA Brain Food work?
Are you feeling stressed over this week’s midterms? Are academic requirements becoming too much to handle? GABA Brain Food can help with your stress and anxiety as it contains all the precursors and cofactors required to produce GABA.
If you’re having difficulty sleeping because you’re nervous about tomorrow’s exams, GABA can also help you relax and fall asleep faster.
I know we’re talking about nootropics for studying here but there are moments when too much brain stimulation from intense learning can make your mind too overactive that you end up having a hard time sleeping. As we all know, sleep is very essential for the mind to optimally perform.
With GABA Brain Food, you not only sleep better but also feel calmer and more mentally prepared for what’s ahead of you. Your mind is clear and you can fully put your focus on that one important thing: passing the test!
How much GABA Brain Food should I take?
Take 1 to 2 capsules of GABA Brain Food per day. Avoid taking more than 2. It’s all your body needs to produce those chemicals that help keep you calm and focused at the task at hand.
Order Natural Stacks GABA Brain Food
7. Noopept
What is Noopept?
Last but certainly not least on our list of nootropics for studying is Noopept. It’s a potent nootropic that gives you intense focus. It has a subtle psychostimulatory effect and is often mistaken to be a part of the racetam family. Its effects are similar to Piracetam but it does not have the same chemical makeup as the nootropic.
How does Noopept work?
Glutamate is powerful neurotransmitter in the brain which plays a key role in memory, learning, and cognitive processes. Noopept prevents the breakdown of this neurotransmitter, helping to preserve it so you can enjoy increased brain power. The nootropic also promotes better oxygen circulation, efficient use of brain energy, and improves your mood.
How much Noopept should I take?
Take 10 mg to 30 mg of Noopept a day. You can split the dosage to three times a day with at least 10 mg per dose but make sure not to take more than 40 mg within 24 hours.
In Conclusion
As awesome as these nootropics may be, it’s important that you do not abuse it. They are great for studying and getting you through academic challenges but they should never be used regularly. You don’t want to become too overly dependent especially at a time in your life when your brain is still developing. Experiment safely and take nootropics for studying with moderation. Good luck!