Yes. Programmers do drink alcohol. Just like other work professionals, programmers enjoy drinking. Some programmers believe moderate consumption of alcohol sets them on the right track for efficient coding (Ballmer Peak Theory). However, not all programmers drink alcohol.
Consuming alcoholic drinks is more of an individual’s decision than a professional synergy.
But, the question arises: how is drinking alcohol linked with programming?
We find the answer to this when we closely examine ‘The Ballmer Peak’.
Without further ado, let’s get started.
The Ballmer Peak
The Ballmer Peak is a theory named after Steve Ballmer – a Microsoft employee and former CEO. This theory is solely related to programming and alcohol consumption. It states that computer programmers perform better if their blood alcohol levels are between 0.129% and 0.138%.
It is also said that programmers reach the peak of their creativity levels, cognitive abilities and programming skills due to this consumption.
This theory is a modified version of ‘The Yerkes Dodson Law’. that opines that moderate arousal is generally the best and performance decreases when arousal level exceeds or subsides.
In essence, these laws are trying to say that programmers perform better when they consume alcohol. But this is only possible when the blood alcohol level are between 0.129% and 0.138, majorly attained at moderate alcohol consumption (about 2 cans of beer).
Justification of the Ballmer Peak
1. Anecdotes and Experiences:
A lot of programmers have shared that experience with the media validating the fact that their programming skills are usually at maximum after they have consumed 2 bottles of beer.
2. Studies at the University of Illinois
Studies were conducted at the University of Illinois during which brain teasers were given to 2 groups; one was the control group without any alcohol consumption and the second one drank cranberry vodka.
The non-drinking group got six correct answers in 15.2 seconds as compared to the nine that the drinking group answered correctly in 11.5 seconds.
It should be kept in mind that the blood alcohol level in the drinking group was kept moderate (about 0.075).
3. Nurses’ Health Study
This study started in 1970 and was conducted on 121,700 women belonging to the age group of 30 to 55.
Each of them was mailed a questionnaire required to fill.
Their individual alcohol consumption was also recorded.
By using different tests such as ‘Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status’ and ‘immediate and delayed recall of the East Boston Memory Test’, their cognitive skills were analyzed.
To sum up the results, it was found that:
“older women who consumed up to one drink per day had consistently better cognitive performance than nondrinkers.
Overall, as compared with nondrinkers, women who drank 1.0 to 14.9 g of alcohol per day had a decrease in the risk of cognitive impairment of about 20 percent.
Moreover, moderate drinkers were less likely to have a substantial decline in cognitive function over a two-year period.
Moderate Levels of Alcohol Consumption
Since we are talking about moderate blood alcohol level, we must highlight what ‘moderate’ means when it comes to drinking.
The levels differ for men and women.
According to the “Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020-2025,” for men, the level is set at up to 2 drinks per day and for women, it is one drink per day.
To be specific, this amount is about 5 ounces if you drink wine, 12 ounces if you choose beer, and 1.5 ounces if you go for liquor.
Benefits of Alcoholic Consumption for Programmers
1. Decreased risks of developing diseases
The chances of being affected by several diseases are lowered by drinking alcohol in moderate amounts.
Are you aware that alcohol consumption is specifically good for the heart and the brain?
The School of Public Health at Harvard University found that “moderate amounts of alcohol raise levels of high-density lipoprotein, HDL, or ‘good’ cholesterol and higher HDL levels are associated with greater protection against heart disease.”
This level of consumption can also result in greater insulin sensitivity which can prevent clot formation and lower the chances of cardiovascular ailment.
Another study states that moderate social drinking may significantly reduce the risk of dementia and cognitive impairment, suggests an analysis of 143 studies by Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine researchers.
Researchers reviewed studies dating to 1977 that included more than 365,000 participants. Moderate drinkers were 23 percent less likely to develop cognitive impairment or Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
2. Helps in Socializing
Introverts make up to 25 to 40% of the world’s population and a couple programmers are introverted.
Sharing one or two bottles with friends and colleagues can help in loosening up a bit and enjoying the moment.
Research suggests that drinking at a social gathering increases one’s level of engagement and trust.
3. Better Sleep
Getting the right amount of sleep daily is essential for better health.
It has additional positive impacts too such as better concentration, lower stress levels, and a sharper brain as all of these do help programmers function effectively.
4. Reduced stress and unhappiness
Alcoholic beverages can stimulate the release of endorphins.
Endorphins are neurotransmitters that are released by the brain to alleviate pain and promote pleasure.
These hormones helps in reducing pain and discomfort, increasing pleasure and boosting self-esteem.
7. Improved memory
Adequate alcoholic consumption at moderate proportions leads to a boost in memory.
Moderate, regular alcohol consumption is associated with higher cognitive function in older community-dwelling adults.
The Detriment of Excess Alcohol Consumption for Programmers
- Alcohol increases the risk of diseases
- Causes disruption of cognition
- Increases chances of injury
- Possible hangover leading to lesser productivity
- Possible blackout
- Increases chances of dehydration
- Increases anxiety
- Can cause sleep problem
- Can be addictive leading to alcohol abuse
Alcohol addiction and abuse
Replacing Alcohol for Non-Alcohol Consuming Programmers
We’ve earlier stated some benefits of consuming alcohol.
But we also acknowledge the fact that not all programmers consume alcohol.
If you fall under this category, here are other and arguably more reliable ways to improve coding efficiency.
- Healthier diet
- Better sleeping habit
- Frequent workout/exercise
- Hydrate!
- Maintain work-life balance
Conclusion
Having discussed the correlation between alcohol levels and programming skills and the various benefits and detriments, we can conclude that alcohol is consumed by programmers all around the world mostly during fun times like social events and also alone times.
The Ballmer Peak tells us that programmers perform better after consuming alcohol to a point where the body’s blood alcohol level falls between 0.129% and 0.138%.
Looking forward to popping open a can of beer while coding, be sure to consume it moderately.
And If your sole aim is productivity boost and increased coding efficiency, then try the alternatives listed above.
Drink Safely!
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Happy Coding!
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