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Smoking for Stimulation

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.

By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer John Hughes, MD - Psychiatry
Last Revised July 6, 2011

Last Revised: July 6, 2011

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & John Hughes, MD - Psychiatry

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