Can You Get Dizzy From Drinking Coffee?
Many people associate drinking coffee with feeling energized, alert and productive. But, while they enjoy its energizing properties, some have reported feeling dizzy or lightheaded from drinking too much coffee. This phenomenon is known as “caffeine jitters”, but there could be more to why too much coffee makes you feel dizzy.
Caffeine’s stimulating effect makes it a great addition to your daily routine when it comes to feeling more productive. However, drinking too much coffee can have unwanted side effects, including a brief episode of dizziness or lightheadedness.
Coffee stimulates your central nervous system and can cause a temporary increase in your heart rate. When your heart rate increases, your blood pressure can briefly drop, diminishing blood flow to the brain. This decrease in blood flow can cause you to feel dizzy or lightheaded.
Another way to get dizzy after drinking coffee is by dehydration. Caffeine is a diuretic, which means that it can cause your body to expel more water than you’re taking in. This can lead to dehydration, which can also cause lightheadedness and dizziness.
Drinking too much coffee can also affect your blood sugar. Eating breakfast can sometimes be difficult when you’re already feeling energized from the caffeine. Going too long without eating can cause you to experience a drop in blood sugar, which can cause feelings of lightheadedness or dizziness.
While an occasional dizzy spell may not be too concerning, you should always speak to your doctor if you experience any symptoms, like dizziness or lightheadedness, after drinking coffee or anytime that feels abnormal.
Coffee and Stress
Coffee can be a great way to get you paying attention, but it is important to remember that it can increase cortisol levels (the stress hormone) when drank in excessive amounts. Too much cortisol can elevate your heart rate and can lead to feelings of lightheadedness and dizziness.
Excessive coffee drinking can also increase your overall stress levels. People often drink coffee when they’re feeling overwhelmed and trying to be productive, but too much coffee can make you more anxious and increase stress. In turn, added stress can make you more likely to experience dizziness and lightheadedness.
It is also important to keep in mind that caffeine can also lead to disturbed sleep. A lack of rest can make you more likely to become stressed and sluggish, increasing your chances of feeling dizzy or lightheaded.
Finding the Balance
If you enjoy drinking coffee but don’t necessarily want to give it up due to its stimulating effects, the best way to do it is to practice moderation. Only drinking coffee in moderate amounts can help reduce the chances of feeling lightheaded or dizzy.
It is also important to pay attention to the timing of your coffee drinking. Try to drink coffee in the morning, before Noon. That way, it won’t interfere with your sleep and you won’t feel the effects of the caffeine in the evening. And, by eating breakfast and regular meals, you can reduce the chances of feeling lightheaded or dizzy.
Finally, consider cutting back on coffee and replacing it with tea once in a while. Tea can have energizing properties too, but can help reduce the chance of dehydration, a possible cause for the jitters.
Caffeine Content of Coffee
Another factor to consider when trying to determine if you’re drinking too much coffee is caffeine content. The amount of caffeine in coffee can range from 90 milligrams in a 12-ounce cup of decaf coffee, to 300 milligrams in a 16-ounce iced coffee. Generally, it is recommended that adults consume no more than 400 milligrams of caffeine per day.
In addition to paying attention to the caffeine content of your coffee, it is also important to understand the type of coffee you’re drinking. Some coffees, like cappuccinos, have twice as much caffeine content as a regular cup of coffee.
In addition to understanding caffeine content, it is also important to consider the roasting process of the coffee. Darker roasts contain more caffeine than lighter roasts, which can also make it more likely for you to become jittery.
Decaffeinated Alternatives
If you’re still experiencing lightheadedness or dizziness from drinking too much coffee, you may consider switching to decaf. Decaffeinated coffee can provide the same energizing effects without the negative side effects.
You can also try herbal tea or sparkling water. These can still provide stimulation without the adverse effects letting you enjoy that morning energy without feeling lightheaded.
Conclusion
Coffee can be a great way to feel more energized and alert, however it is important to remember that it can also cause feelings of lightheadedness or dizziness if it is consumed in excess. Drinking coffee can be perfectly safe when done in moderation, with the right type of coffee and the right amount of caffeine.
