A study by the University of Health and Development (ISR) has found that sugar may influence how easily the body shifts into a state of relaxation. The researchers conducted a controlled experiment with 94 healthy young adults who were randomly assigned to drink a glucose solution or water before undergoing two conditions, including a standardized massage or a resting period, which are known to help the body downshift into a calmer state. Participants were then tracked using heart measurements to identify key branches of the autonomic nervous system, the parasympathetic system, and the sympathetic system. While both massage and rest were supposed to do, their nervous system increased activity as expected. However, after consuming glucose, the sympathetic nervous system stayed more active, leaving the body in a more alert, activated state instead of fully resting. This suggests that the same physiological pattern that kept the body more alert during relaxation may also support short-term focus and performance, even if it slightly blunts physical relaxation.