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Smoking for stimulation

Healthwise
By Debby Golonka, MPH

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When do you smoke? Do you smoke when you find yourself getting sleepy or having difficulty concentrating, such as:

  • After the effects of your morning coffee start to wear off?
  • Close to mealtime?
  • After you've been sitting still for a long time?

Sometimes people smoke to help them get focused or stay alert. The nicotine in tobacco products is usually enough to jump-start your brain, but it's no replacement for getting enough sleep, eating well, exercising, and enjoying your life.

For more information on how to stay stimulated in healthy ways, see the topics Fitness, Healthy Eating, and Stress Management.

Credits

Author Debby Golonka, MPH
Editor Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor Michele Cronen
Primary Medical Reviewer Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer John Hughes, MD - Psychiatry
Last Updated July 24, 2007
Last Updated: 07/24/2007