Modafinil is the generic name for the wakefulness-promoting medication famously marketed as Provigil. Classified as a eugeroic, it differs from traditional stimulants like Adderall or Ritalin because it targets specific brain regions responsible for the sleep-wake cycle—primarily the hypothalamus—rather than causing a widespread "rush" across the nervous system. By subtly increasing levels of dopamine, histamine, and norepinephrine, modafinil effectively treats narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea, and shift work sleep disorder. Beyond its FDA-approved uses, it has gained significant popularity off-label as a nootropic or "smart drug" among students and professionals seeking improved executive function, memory, and sustained concentration. Despite its reputation for being "low-risk," it remains a Schedule IV controlled substance due to its potential for habit formation and must be used with caution by individuals with pre-existing heart or mental health conditions.