A recent study in the scientific field has revealed that consuming or smelling a specific type of food could potentially reduce feelings of fatigue and increase alertness, a beneficial effect especially as the clocks are set to go back this weekend. This Sunday marks the end of British Summer Time as the clocks will be turned back by an hour at 2am, reverting to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and granting individuals an extra hour of sleep.

The practice of adjusting the clocks, which originated during World War I, aims to optimize energy usage by maximizing daylight hours. While many will relish the additional hour of rest, the time change can disrupt some people’s internal body clocks, leading to increased tiredness and sluggishness post-adjustment.

To combat feelings of grogginess following the time change, individuals can establish a calming bedtime routine and seek exposure to natural light during the day to aid in regulating their circadian rhythm. For those seeking a quicker solution, research suggests that peppermint consumption can enhance alertness, particularly beneficial for individuals feeling under the weather or experiencing mental fatigue.

Peppermint, known to improve psychomotor speed and reaction times, can also potentially enhance memory and focus through its aroma. A study conducted by experts at Cardiff University examined the impact of peppermint on mood and alertness, particularly in individuals feeling unwell. The findings indicated that peppermint could heighten alertness, irrespective of health status, yet did not show a significant improvement in work performance.

Dr. Andy Smith, the research team leader, highlighted the potential of peppermint to alleviate symptoms of colds and enhance overall well-being. Besides alertness, peppermint offers digestive aid, relief from headaches, and may improve cognitive function. Its antimicrobial properties make it versatile for household use, from cleaning to pest control.

Peppermint products, such as mints, teas, or desserts, can be purchased at supermarkets and health stores. Notably, Tesco offers an 80p pack of Trebor Extra Strong Peppermint Mints, providing approximately 17 mints per roll at around 5p per mint. The study underscores the simple yet effective benefits of peppermint consumption on well-being, particularly during periods of illness or fatigue.