[Marie2]

“Caffeine raises cortisol levels.”

But I feel so much smarter when I drink it.

[LomanBill]

>>But I feel so much smarter when I drink it.

 

There may be a physiological basis for that.    I suspect the negative effects of caffeine and cortisol are manifested when the stress is chronic and long term.   The relationship between chronic caffiene abuse and adrenal fatigue is fairly well documented.

 

I think in the short term it would make sense that a stressful, adrenaline producing, situation would be conducive to formation of neural connections (memories); in that such memories would enhance the ability of the organism to cope with similar conditions if encountered in the future.

 

So I would not doubt what you say, and would not be surprised at a short term increase in "smartness".

 

The duration of the stressor is an important factor - making the difference between excitement and burnout.