Energy shots and Red Bulls may not be the right solution when students are seeking an energy boost.

These neurological stimuli don’t provide the same type of energy that food or sleep would.

“[These stimuli provide] the feeling of energy, but not a true fuel,” said Annie Dickerson, Dietetic intern and Nutrition and Dietetic graduate student.

Students choose options like energy shots or energy drinks so they can stay up later and write papers or study for exams.

“The 5-hour Energy drink in lieu of food is not going to make someone a better student,” said Martha O‘Gorman, coordinator of nutrition programming at Campus Recreation. “[Neurological Stimuli] are not something students should be using to get them through finals week or an exam.”

O’Gorman said if you use neurological stimuli in excess cardiovascular and sleep deprivation problems can arise.

Both Dickerson and O’Gorman suggest to increase energy by following a diet with a base in carbohydrates and a little bit of protein and fat. They also said drinking tea and coffee moderately can be better alternatives.

“You want to eat nutrient-dense foods, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains,” Dickerson said.

Some NIU students already try to stay away from “energy supplements.”

“I feel like energy drinks are too much,” said Megan Sneddon, sophomore media studies major. “I don’t even like coffee. They make me feel sick.”

Other NIU students find them useless.

“I don’t use them and I don’t have a reason to,” said freshman biology major Jordon Mitzelfelt.

However, freshman history major Lucas Meiners likes to use these supplements when he tries to get work done.

“I use 5-hour Energy shots often when I’m studying to maintain a high level of focus,” Meiners said.