Study Finds Exercise Can Boost Memory & Fight Caffeine Withdrawal

Researchers at the Exercise and Health Psychology Lab at Western University tested groups by first assessing the working memory of caffeine and non-caffeine consumers1. After this, participants either consumed caffeine or exercised.

Twelve hours later, their working memory was evaluated again, and they also reported caffeine withdrawal symptoms. Both exercise and caffeine improved working memory, but the exercise had the added benefit of reducing caffeine withdrawal symptoms.

But what is working memory? It helps control how we recall and store knowledge, making it an important component for day-to-day activities like reading a book or remembering what to buy at the grocery store.

While previous studies have shown that caffeine or exercise can help memory, this study was the first to compare the two head-to-head. Caffeine has been strongly linked to boosted memory, and coffee, in particular, has even been linked to preventing cognitive decline2.

Not only does this study show us that a mere 20 minutes of exercise can have serious implications for our memories, but it also shows that it's a great candidate for replacing our daily caffeine intake as it can also help diminish the negative impacts of quitting.

One of the most common symptoms of caffeine withdrawal is persistent headaches. There have been links between exercise and a cure for headaches before, so this new link between caffeine withdrawal and exercise isn't entirely a surprise.

Other symptoms of caffeine withdrawal include fatigue (obviously), decreased contentedness, and decreased alertness. The endorphins released with exercise may help alleviate these symptoms, as they are known to improve mood.