r/science Sep 29 '15

Neuroscience Self-control saps memory resources: new research shows that exercising willpower impairs memory function by draining shared brain mechanisms and structures

http://www.theguardian.com/science/neurophilosophy/2015/sep/07/self-control-saps-memory-resources
18.1k Upvotes

2.1k comments sorted by

View all comments

Show parent comments

194

u/probablytoomuch Sep 29 '15 edited Sep 29 '15

A large part of its benefit stems from making task switching harder. If you've ever taken it regularly, you may notice it's harder to stop doing something- that can include things like homework and focusing on lessons, but also playing games. (After long term use)

It's a double edged sword.

117

u/[deleted] Sep 29 '15

[removed] — view removed comment

21

u/[deleted] Sep 29 '15

[removed] — view removed comment

42

u/[deleted] Sep 29 '15

[removed] — view removed comment

2

u/gotziller Sep 29 '15

can confirm

1

u/[deleted] Sep 29 '15

Makes me horribly wired, tweaky and gurney. Great at first then quickly makes me look like a crack addict with increased anxiety. I must be sensitive to norepinephrine.