the.com/alertness
the thin filament between snoozing through danger and catching it mid-pounce
means the state of being watchful and quick to notice or respond to what's happening around you
from From "alert," which English borrowed in the 17th century from French "alerte," itself from the Italian military phrase "all'erta" — meaning "on the watch," literally "to the height" ("erta," a steep lookout slope or watchtower). A sentry posted on high ground gave us the word for everyone keyed up and watching; the noun "alertness" simply names the condition of that posted lookout.
- chemical
- Norepinephrine sharpens focus by flooding the brain on demand
- sleep debt
- 17 hours awake matches the impairment of being legally drunk
- caffeine trick
- It blocks adenosine, the molecule begging you to rest
- animal edge
- Dolphins sleep one brain half at a time, always watching
- orienting reflex
- Sudden sounds snap attention before you consciously notice them
red bull — energy drink brand that markets itself on alertness, with 7.5 billion cans sold annually
modafinil — prescription wakefulness-promoting drug used by military pilots and shift workers
caffeine in coffee — most consumed psychoactive substance globally, 2 billion cups drunk daily for alertness