Caffeine, whether in the traditional coffee or in the millennial method of energy drink, is consumed by nearly everyone. A twelve hour or an eight-hour shift makes no difference; there will always be that need to increase your energy. We know the significant effects of caffeine, the increased alertness and increase memory (Caffeine, 2017). A safe daily amount of caffeine is about 400mg, more than that a person will begin to experience side effects such as nervousness, headaches, and restlessness. When is it too much and who should cut back?
#1 Insomnia or other sleep disorder
Caffeine is a stimulant, the exact reason why we drink it. A cup of coffee will wake us up and get moving. If you are drinking multiple cups of coffee or energy drinks during the day and then at night you toss and turn, it might be time to cut back on the amount of caffeine consumed during the day. Eventually, by cutting back the coffee, you’ll be able to sleep, and you’ll find the lower amount of caffeine intake will help you stay alert during the day. (Caffiene, 2017 & Caffeine, 2018)
#2 Nervousness or heart disease
Some people genetically take longer to break down caffeine. These people will find they are more sensitive to the effects or more prone to nervousness after consuming an energy drink. After drinking coffee or an energy drink if you find heart palpations, or feeling of nervousness, and a jittery feeling, then cut back on the java. In some people who have a sensitivity, it can even induce a panic attack. Some issues with your heart include tachycardia or irregular rhythm and high blood pressure. If you suffer from a panic attack, some heart issues or sensitivity be careful with the amount of caffeine consumed. (Caffiene, 2017 & Caffeine, 2018)
#3 GI Upset
Gastrointestinal problems such as GERD, gastroesophageal reflux disease or prone to stomach ulcers, beware. Caffeine, when consumed, will increase acid production in the stomach. A person with pre-existing issues should be careful, consider the amount or switch to decaf. (Caffiene, 2017 & Caffeine, 2018)
Caffeine is fantastic; it gets you through those long shifts and helps you if you didn’t sleep the night before. But just like with everything too much of a good thing is wrong. Reducing the caffeine intake will be easier if you taper, a slow reduction to decrease the caffeine withdrawal. How much caffeine do you drink? Are you a coffee lover or go for the energy drinks?