Students these days don&t get a nap time and are turning to new ways to energize themselves andsurvive their demanding schedules.

The conventional method of brewing a pot of coffee has teamed with a new generation of pill popping, giving students all the tools they need to stay up throughout the day.

Passing up the snooze button for a hot cup of coffee in the morning, students can overcome their sleepiness in a matter of minutes. The mild stimulant drug found in coffee is caffeine, and if not used properly, it can do more damage than you think.

Like most things, caffeine is not considered to be harmful if used in moderation.

Laurie Grady, director of heath education, said that if caffeine is used in small amounts, most people will not suffer negative consequences.

&When taken in excess amounts, caffeine can be problematic, causing psychological and physiological problems,& Grady said. &If you use it, keep it to moderate amounts, less than 400 milligrams per day.&

When taken in excess amounts, many peoples& magic energy potion can lead to anxiety, nervousness, restlessness, depression, increased heart rate and even higher blood pressure. Caffeine addicts may also suffer from insomnia, which increases fatigue throughout the day.

Caffeinated beverages are not the only way that students are finding energy. Taking pills is a new trend that is even more convenient than coffee, but it is an even greater health risk.

Drinking much of her coffee in the morning, student athlete Rachel Anderson can handle her caffeine intake without losing sleep at night.

&I take caffeine pills and usually drink at least three cups of coffee a day,& Anderson said. &It helps me stay awake in class. I don&t know what I would do without it.&

The supplement NoDoz is popular among college students, offering 100 milligrams of caffeine per pill (the same amount of caffeine in a cup of coffee). NoDoz is offered over the counter and acts as a stimulant to the body&s central nervous system.

The product is said to keep consumers alert, improve concentration and give a rapid, clear flow of thought. Much like coffee, NoDoz can be an effective way to improve concentration and overcome exam and assignment pressure.

Another supplement that increases energy and concentration for students is Adderall. Prescribed for treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Adderall takes on some of the same characteristics as Ritalin.

Both drugs have a high potential for abuse and a long list of side effects.

Potential heath risks took the supplement ephedrine off the shelves in April 2004. The supplement was intended to aid weight loss, enhance athletic ability and increase energy.

However, the Food and Drug Association ruled that ephedrine caused significant health effects, such as heart attacks and strokes.

Students also use a variety of other supplements and vitamins to enhance their performance at school.

Isaac Navarrete uses Centrum in order to get the vitamins he needs for in-class performance.

&If I didn&t take it, I wouldn&t be able to focus. It keeps me on point when I would normally become distracted too easily,& Navarrete said. &I also drink soda sometimes, but coffee gives me stomach problems.&

A good rule for maintaining energy is to get a good night&s sleep. Seven to eight hours of sleep are usually recommended for adults.

&The key to keeping one&s energy is balancing your workload with your replenishment 8211; and replenishment that comes from natural sources and other healthy behaviors,& Grady said.