Modafinil is a medication used to promote wakefulness, mainly for conditions like narcolepsy, sleep apnea, and shift work disorder. It is also popular off-label as a cognitive enhancer. A recent study by Delli Pizzi et al. (2025) reveals how modafinil changes brain connectivity in ways that boost attention and alertness. These findings explain part of…

Modafinil is a wakefulness medicine used for narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea, and shift work disorder. People also ask if it can improve memory. The short answer is that modafinil can help certain types of memory in some situations, but it is not a general memory booster and this use is not approved by the U.S….

Modafinil is a prescription medication approved to treat excessive sleepiness caused by narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and shift work disorder (SWD) (U.S. Food and Drug Administration [FDA], 2015). In recent years, it has gained popularity as an off-label “smart drug” among students, tech workers, and others seeking sharper focus. But what actually happens when…

Modafinil is a prescription medicine that helps people stay awake. It was first approved to treat conditions like narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea, and shift work disorder. Over time, it has also become popular among healthy adults who hope it will improve focus and mental performance. But how strong is the evidence, and is it safe…

Modafinil is a prescription medicine approved to treat sleep disorders such as narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea, and shift work disorder. In recent years, it has drawn attention for off-label use as a potential “smart drug” for learning and focus. Students, professionals, and individuals with cognitive impairments sometimes turn to modafinil in hopes of improving their…

Armodafinil helps people stay awake when sleep disorders cause daytime sleepiness. Two common brands are Artvigil and Waklert. Both contain the same active drug, armodafinil, in 150 mg tablets. There are no head-to-head clinical trials that prove one is stronger than the other. Differences people report are likely due to individual biology and non-active ingredients,…

Stephen Hawking was one of the most brilliant scientists of our time. He lived with motor neurone disease (MND) for decades, far longer than most people with the condition. Because of his exceptional intellect and long survival, rumors began to circulate online that he had used so-called “smart drugs” to boost his brain power. These…

What Are Nootropics Nootropics are natural or synthetic substances that aim to support or enhance aspects of cognitive performance. They may work by influencing neurotransmitters, supporting neuroprotection, improving cerebral blood flow, or improving the brain’s energy use (Malik and Tlustoš, 2022). These substances range from everyday compounds like caffeine to prescription medications such as modafinil….