Caffeine is the most widely used psychoactive substance in the world—over one-third of adults in the UK consume it. However, excess coffee consumption can damage your health and can make you feel jittery, anxious, and irritable. It can also leave you feeling tired, groggy, and even disoriented.
It’s important to know what happens to your body when you drink too much coffee so that you can adjust your intake accordingly. Here’s a look at some of the effects of drinking too much coffee.
Reduced Sleep Quality
High levels of caffeine in your body can significantly interfere with your sleep patterns, making it hard to fall asleep at night. This is because caffeine is a stimulant that triggers your brain and causes it to be alert and attentive. This reduces your natural inclination to sleep.
In studies, participants who consumed caffeine close to bedtime had more difficulty falling asleep, experienced lighter and more fragmented sleep, and had a decrease in total sleep time and sleep quality. These effects are not only immediate but can also affect sleep hours after ingestion.
Increased Anxiety
Too much caffeine can worsen symptoms of anxiety and can make you feel more tense and stressed out. Caffeine increases adrenaline levels, which can trigger the body’s “fight or flight” response. This can make it difficult to relax and can cause physical symptoms such as a racing heart, trembling hands, and sweating.
In one study, regularly consuming large amounts of caffeine was associated with higher levels of anxiety and depression, suggesting that it can worsen existing symptoms. It is important to note that adjusting caffeine consumption can help to reduce these effects.
Gastrointestinal Issues
Drinking too much coffee can irritate the lining of the stomach, leading to indigestion, heartburn, and abdominal discomfort. It can also act as a diuretic, causing you to urinate more frequently and lose more fluids than you take in, resulting in dehydration.
In addition, drinking too much coffee can increase levels of acid in the stomach, which can contribute to stomach ulcers and acid reflux. If you experience these symptoms after drinking coffee, it is important to speak to your doctor to make sure that the coffee isn’t worsening any existing conditions.
Cardiovascular Effects
In large doses, caffeine can increase blood pressure, which can put stress on the cardiovascular system. This increase is more pronounced in those who don’t regularly consume caffeine, though those who are regular coffee drinkers will still experience a small increase in blood pressure.
Drinking too much coffee can also cause arrhythmia, which is an abnormal heart rhythm. It is important to note that coffee is not responsible for any long-term cardiovascular effects—it is only a short-term effect.
Impaired Cognitive Function
Caffeine can impair cognitive function by disrupting your attention span and reaction time. Too much caffeine can make you jittery and unfocused, making it difficult to concentrate on complicated tasks.
It is important to note that this effect is more pronounced in people who are not used to caffeine, and that regular coffee drinkers will eventually develop a tolerance to this effect.
Withdrawal Symptoms
When caffeine is consumed in sufficient quantities or for a prolonged period of time, it can lead to withdrawal symptoms. Symptoms of caffeine withdrawal can include headaches, fatigue, irritability, nausea, depression, and difficulty concentrating.
The symptoms usually begin 8-12 hours after caffeine use has stopped and can last for several days. Those who are used to drinking large amounts of coffee can expect more severe withdrawal symptoms. If you experience these symptoms, the best course of action is to gradually reduce the amount of coffee that you consume.
Risk of Overdose
It is important to note that while there is no known risk of overdose from drinking too much coffee, it is possible to overdose on caffeine in pill form. An overdose of caffeine can cause symptoms such as seizures, rapid heart rate, confusion, and loss of consciousness. If you experience these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
Increases Stress Levels
Since caffeine is a stimulant, it increases your body’s production of stress hormones, such as cortisol and adrenaline. This can lead to an increase in stress levels and make it more difficult to cope with daily tasks. It is important to note that long-term consumption of caffeine can make it harder for the body to cope with stress, as the body becomes accustomed to the presence of caffeine and it is no longer as effective in reducing stress levels.
Additionally, caffeine can also affect the part of the brain that controls emotions, leading to feelings of anxiety or depression. If you find that your daily intake of coffee is affecting your mental health, it is important to speak to a healthcare professional about adjusting your caffeine consumption.
Impairs Motor Coordination
Drinking too much coffee can impair your motor coordination and make you clumsy. This is because caffeine affects the part of the brain that is responsible for motor coordination and movement. In large doses, it can interfere with the way the motor system responds to signals from the brain and make you more prone to slips, trips, and falls.
Additionally, caffeine can also affect your balance and cause dizzy spells. Regularly drinking large amounts of coffee can also lead to headaches and fatigue, both of which can further impact your coordination.
Adverse Effects on the Body
Too much caffeine can lead to numerous adverse effects on the body, including insomnia, anxiety, stomach pain, headaches, depression, heart palpitations, and dizziness. This can lead to a decrease in overall health and wellbeing and make it difficult to live a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
It is important to be aware of these symptoms and adjust your caffeine intake accordingly—in some cases, reducing the amount of coffee that you drink may be enough to resolve these issues.
