THOSE who stay up at night usually drink coffee or tea to rejuvenate themselves.

While the caffeine in tea and coffee can help people stay awake, it does not really improve work efficiency, a U.S. study at St. Luke's Hospital has found.

Caffeine consumes B vitamins, which are essential for the performance of nerves and muscles. Lack of B vitamins can cause fatigue, and so if one has to stay up late, he should take B vitamins supplements.

If one relies on coffee or tea to improve work efficiency, he will gradually fall into a vicious circle --- drinking more coffee and tea, but achieving less.

Sweet food is dangerous for night workers, too, despite some people's belief that it can boost energy. Sweet food is made with sugar, which gives a person energy, but it also consumes B vitamins and, in turn, causes fatigue. Eating sweet food at night can also make one fat.

Therefore, night workers should eat some foods containing B vitamins at supper. B vitamins, including folic acid, vitamin B16 and vitamin B12, not only provide energy and help protect nerve cells, but also help ease anxiety.

Green vegetables and leguminous plants are rich in folic acid, which helps to mend cells and prevent infection and anemia. Animal livers, fish, grains, soybeans, vegetables and fruits are rich in B6, which can maintain the health of skin and defer the process of ageing. Vitamin B12, related to memory and attention, can be absorbed through eating red meat, milk and cream.

 
Editor: Wings