Caffeine, though found in commonly served foods and beverages, like coffees, teas, and chocolates, is actually a drug. That means it is a chemical substance that affects both body and mind functions. People should be aware of their intake levels.

Caffeine is known to increase alertness and to delay sleepiness. (Cardoso, 2000. p.2) This can have undesirable effects on memory. Increased alertness is usually good for memory. However, this does not mean that caffeine is necessarily good for memory. Although it can stimulate the brain, it can also make a person jittery, and make it hard to concentrate.

By increasing the time someone is awake and reducing their rest, caffeine can also interfere with the process of memory consolidation that takes place during sleep.