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> Can you really say that unless you switched fields multiple times? I have ;-) far too many times! Even going back and taking undergrad math coursework that m

> Can you really say that unless you switched fields multiple times? I have ;-) far too many times! Even going back and taking undergrad math coursework that my engineering curriculum didn't have like Discrete Math or Statistics got a lot harder than calculus / differential equations was when I was younger. I felt like I got less out of each hour, and also couldn't put in as many hours - not just because I have more responsibilities, but also because my brain just gets tired after fewer hours.

MITSardine 8mo ago
Hell even my young brain got tired on statistics and algebra. Could part of this also be field mismatch?
sigmoid10 8mo ago
>my brain just gets tired after fewer hours. Have you tried creatine supplements? Especially if you're vegan or don't eat a lot of meat. Most people take it for muscle performance, but I found it insanely helpful for maintaining a sharp mind throughout a long day, especially with little sleep. That's also what the latest research starts to appreciate. I wouldn't be surprised to see recommended doses above 10g/day in elderly soon-ish since there are basically zero downsides even at much higher doses. In my early 30s I thought I lost my ability to pull all nighters because of increased tiredness, but now I feel like I can do even more than when I was 18. Most people greatly underestimate diet in general because they used to get away with anything when they were young.
- runjake 8mo ago
  Counterpoint: I've been taking creatine (10-15mg/day) for over 8 months and I can't say that I notice a difference at all. That said, while I think that creatine's effects on cognitive performance are often overstated, creatine is scientifically proven to increase brain performance in some cases[1]. And fortunately, creatine is safe and very cheap[2], so maybe worth a try. 1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Creatine#Cognitive_performance https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Creatine#Cognitive_performance 2. https://www.bulksupplements.com/products/creatine-monohydrate https://www.bulksupplements.com/products/creatine-monohydrat...
  - sigmoid10 8mo ago
    Did you have problems with tiredness and concentrating? Especially after only getting very little sleep for an extended time? Or did you already consume a lot of meat? There are many factors here that could potentially make it not worth your while. As with all supplements, a good diet and lots of rest can make them little more than expensive pee. But not everyone can have a perfect diet and lots of sleep all the time. Creatine is a supplement for a very particular lifestyle.
    - runjake 8mo ago
      Yep, I bet you're exactly right. > Did you have problems with tiredness and concentrating? Yes. Still do. > Especially after only getting very little sleep for an extended time? No > Or did you already consume a lot of meat? Yes. I mean, I probably eat less meat than the average American, but certainly plenty. Beef, too (high in creatine). > As with all supplements, a good diet and lots of rest can make them little more than expensive pee. Yep, this probably describes me. It's still pretty cheap, so I still do it (especially since my kids take creatine as well).
      - sigmoid10 8mo ago
        >> Especially after only getting very little sleep for an extended time? >No Then I'm not really surprised. I also see no real cognitive effects when everything is well anyways. But this one study is what I found to be the most accurate finding overall beyond enhancing muscle power: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10902318/ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10902318/ It's also super easy to test yourself.

MITSardine 8mo ago

Hell even my young brain got tired on statistics and algebra. Could part of this also be field mismatch?

sigmoid10 8mo ago

>my brain just gets tired after fewer hours. Have you tried creatine supplements? Especially if you're vegan or don't eat a lot of meat. Most people take it for muscle performance, but I found it insanely helpful for maintaining a sharp mind throughout a long day, especially with little sleep. That's also what the latest research starts to appreciate. I wouldn't be surprised to see recommended doses above 10g/day in elderly soon-ish since there are basically zero downsides even at much higher doses. In my early 30s I thought I lost my ability to pull all nighters because of increased tiredness, but now I feel like I can do even more than when I was 18. Most people greatly underestimate diet in general because they used to get away with anything when they were young.

runjake 8mo ago
Counterpoint: I've been taking creatine (10-15mg/day) for over 8 months and I can't say that I notice a difference at all. That said, while I think that creatine's effects on cognitive performance are often overstated, creatine is scientifically proven to increase brain performance in some cases[1]. And fortunately, creatine is safe and very cheap[2], so maybe worth a try. 1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Creatine#Cognitive_performance https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Creatine#Cognitive_performance 2. https://www.bulksupplements.com/products/creatine-monohydrate https://www.bulksupplements.com/products/creatine-monohydrat...
- sigmoid10 8mo ago
  Did you have problems with tiredness and concentrating? Especially after only getting very little sleep for an extended time? Or did you already consume a lot of meat? There are many factors here that could potentially make it not worth your while. As with all supplements, a good diet and lots of rest can make them little more than expensive pee. But not everyone can have a perfect diet and lots of sleep all the time. Creatine is a supplement for a very particular lifestyle.
  - runjake 8mo ago
    Yep, I bet you're exactly right. > Did you have problems with tiredness and concentrating? Yes. Still do. > Especially after only getting very little sleep for an extended time? No > Or did you already consume a lot of meat? Yes. I mean, I probably eat less meat than the average American, but certainly plenty. Beef, too (high in creatine). > As with all supplements, a good diet and lots of rest can make them little more than expensive pee. Yep, this probably describes me. It's still pretty cheap, so I still do it (especially since my kids take creatine as well).
    - sigmoid10 8mo ago
      >> Especially after only getting very little sleep for an extended time? >No Then I'm not really surprised. I also see no real cognitive effects when everything is well anyways. But this one study is what I found to be the most accurate finding overall beyond enhancing muscle power: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10902318/ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10902318/ It's also super easy to test yourself.