This might be a more general supplements question, but I'm thinking of of supplements like piracetam, ginkgo, etc that have some impact on neurotransmitters. I've only been rigorously supplementing for about a month or so and haven't missed a day yet.
Basically, last night I was in "the zone". I don't know how else to describe it, but it's the thing that drives my interest as a programmer (I'm sure there's an equivalent feeling for everyone in whatever their interests may be). When I'd finally finished my work (a project I've been procrastinating for weeks - I find it difficult to be motivated when not in the right mindset) it was about 10am. I didn't take my supplements since I was feeling the classic symptoms of too much caffeine and sleep deprivation, so I went to bed for a bit before a meeting. I woke up almost exactly 2 hours later and had dream recall, so I figure I had at least 1 full sleep cycle (it's typical for me to wake up, disable my alarm and then reawake exactly 2 hours later, with dreams). When I awoke I was planning to start my day as usual - breakfast and supplements, but I'm aware that REM sleep is necessary for neurotransmitter recovery, so opted against it.
My question is this - would taking some supplements be detrimental whilst in a state of sleep deprivation? Would some be beneficial? Piracetam is well known for affecting acetylcholine receptors (I know many of us experience the piracetam headaches supposedly caused by the effects on acetylcholine uptake) - would taking piracetam while sleep deprived exacerbate or improve this? Are there any particular nootropics that would have a negative effect in certain physiological states? Does anyone have any anecdotal suggestions?
Apologies if my post screams ignorance, my biochemistry has always been weak and it's not a subject I have studied recently.
On a side note, I've been taking piracetam for three weeks now, I'm definitely seeing changes, for one, I'd never have been able to get out of bed after only 2 hours of sleep after an all nighter normally.
Edited by viltro, 12 February 2010 - 11:16 PM.
