From the selection of messages that we read online to help us find real love on dating sites, the algorithms are capable of everyone types of amazing things. But now they can be ready to answer the age-old question that has long been harassing mankind: how much coffee should you drink during the day to work with maximum alertness? This is the goal of the new automatic optimization algorithm created by scientists working for the US Army. Its purpose is to determine how much coffee is needed for people to be alert when they feel the effects of losing sleep.

"Eighty percent of the US population eats about two cups of coffee a day, and often more when we feel tired and we want vigilance," said Dr. Jaques Reifman, principal project researcher, in an interview with Digital Trends. "The US Army has developed algorithms that allow service members and the general public to determine when and how much caffeine should be consumed to optimize alertness at the desired time and time." When we compared the results of the optimization algorithm with the results of experiments, we found that the algorithm improved alertness and decreased caffeine consumption up to 65 percent. "

As already mentioned, the algorithm was able to reduce caffeine intake by as much as 65 percent, while increasing alertness by up to 64 percent.

"Although this is a dual-use technology, we focus on improving the alertness of our fighters, who often face the challenge of large debt," Reifman said. "Forty percent [these servicemen and women] sleep less than five hours a day continuously." On the civil side, the algorithm is widely used for shift workers in the transport industry, medical caregivers, firemen, students [and others.] "

At the moment there is no word about when and whether this algorithm will be included in the caffeine strategy application aimed at consumers. As great coffee lovers, we would love to see it. After all, our Apple watches tell us when to get up and exercise. Who would not like their device to wear the device or a smartphone to remind them of the need to get up and receive a joe cup to maintain the highest performance?

The article describing the work was recently published in the Journal of Sleep Research.