The Check-Up: How to Get a Jolt Without Caffeine

Today's health headlines

Dozing at your desk? A cup of decaf might do the trick.

University of London researchers conducted a study to test the placebo effect in coffee drinkers. The hypothesis: If you feed a bunch of coffee addicts decaf but tell them their drinks are caffeinated, they’ll feel a caffeine jolt anyway. You know what? They totally did. Turns out, as long as you think you’re getting caffeine, you’ll probably feel more alert and awake no matter what’s actually in your mug.

Get more of today’s health headlines—including the story of a southern pastor on a crusade for good health—over here.