We all have trouble sometimes staying awake in situations that need focus and concentration. High-sugar snacks and caffeine are among the most common means to extend ones ability to concentrate and stay alert. Unfortunately, frequent use of handfuls of sweets and liters of coffee cause unwanted side-effects, such as weight gain and upset stomach. Sugar and caffeine are also an empty fix. When sugar and caffeine are digested, the body does get an initial boost. This boost, however, is short-lived and crashes, often times leaving you more tired and more energy depleted than before.

That is why a recent study made at the University of Michigan highly encourages those of us suffering from fatigue, or having difficulty concentrating during any focused activity. Researchers found a way to combat the sleepiness and stay awake, and it doesn't have anything to do with consumption of stimulants, natural or synthetic.

The study was done with students, who were taught to self-administer acupressure points on their legs, feet, hands and heads. Students rated their levels of sleepiness using the validated Stanford Sleepiness Scale. Remarkably, the students who treated the stimulation acupressure points were significantly more alert and less fatigued than the students in group treating other points.

More commonly, acupressure is known as a method of treating pain and illness. Pressure applied on specific pressure points stimulates or relaxes corresponding muscles or other bodily processes. With stress related illness on the rise, acupressure is a very powerful tool for combating muscle tension, headaches, and back and neck pain. Because acupressure techniques are simple and can be applied to oneself, it is an easy method of treating numerous ailments as we engage in daily work activities, without excessively disrupting our busy schedules.

The fact that acupressure increases alertness and combats fatigue is absolutely great news, because other approaches to the self-treatment of fatigue often involve the use of stimulants, acupressure provides a drug free alternatives to this. Now also you can utilize easy and effective acupressure in any number of situations in order to be more alert, concentrate better and perform more efficiently.