Caffeine Stimulation and Sleep
Coffee is a drink made from the roasted beans of the coffee plant. It’s a popular beverage that’s known for its stimulatory effects on the brain, as it contains caffeine. Increased caffeine consumption can have various adverse effects on people’s sleep cycles. Caffeine stimulates the body’s central nervous system, resulting in increased alertness and wakefulness. While this can be beneficial during the day when people have a lot of tasks to do, it can be disruptive at night. Some people may momentarily resume their normal sleep patterns after drinking coffee in the evening, but soon again find themselves wide awake. Drinking coffee late at night can inhibit a person’s ability to enter deep sleep and rest their body appropriately.
Overstimulation
The stimulation delivered by caffeine can eventually lead to people feeling overwhelmed by elevated levels of anxiety, irritability and jitteriness. Drinking coffee is often a daily habit for many people, as it’s a useful way of getting an energy pick-me-up or of staying alert during the workday. However, if it’s overconsumed, people can find it much harder to relax and enjoy the moments of calm they experience in their day-to-day life.
Dependency
When caffeine is consumed in large amounts, people’s body and brain begin to form a dependency on it. This discourages people from seeking out other healthier alternatives such as yoga, meditation and exercise, which can all be highly beneficial to people’s overall health. Research has indicated that people can become dependent on caffeine to maintain their alertness, and when they don’t get their desired dose they may feel exhausted and fatigued.
Increased Heart Rate
Caffeine stimulates the heart, which can lead to higher heart rates than normal. This can be dangerous for people who already have a heart condition, or for those who aren’t aware that their heart rate is rapidly increasing. It is recommended that people with any kind of heart condition or cardiovascular disease avoid or limit their caffeine intake.
Dehydration
Coffee is a diuretic; it forces the body to expel liquids and electrolytes at a greater rate than it would normally take in. When the body is dehydrated, it is difficult to maintain focus, produce energy and sleep. It’s important to drink water throughout the day to replenish the body’s electrolyte stores, which can become depleted after regular caffeine consumption.
Gastrointestinal Issues
Caffeine can sometimes cause stomach pains and other gastrointestinal issues. Depending on individual tolerance levels, coffee and other caffeinated beverages can also result in bloating, gas and diarrhea. Regular caffeine consumption can also lead to heartburn and acid reflux, which are both uncomfortable and potentially dangerous conditions.
Acne and Skin Breakouts
Excessive caffeine consumption is believed to increase levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which is secreted when the body is under intense pressure. As cortisol is a hormone that can trigger acne and skin breakouts, it is recommended that people who are prone to skin issues limit their caffeine intake.
Coffee and Diabetes
The increased levels of cortisol caused by coffee can also lead to diabetes, due to the hormone’s effect on a person’s glucose control. Uncontrolled diabetes can cause a variety of serious health complications, so it’s important for people to be aware of the risks associated with drinking coffee.
Coffee Anxiety Disorder
Caffeine can be dangerous for those who have pre-existing conditions such as anxiety or depression. In these cases, excessive caffeine intake can worsen the condition, leading to increased levels of stress and increased risk of panic attacks. Regular coffee drinking can also trigger an entirely new condition, known as coffee anxiety disorder. This is defined as a person who experiences regular anxiety and panic attacks that are directly related to their caffeine consumption.
Nutritional Deficiencies
While coffee can be a great pick-me-up, it doesn’t provide any nutritional value to the body. People who rely solely on coffee to fuel their day-to-day activities may find themselves lacking in essential vitamins and minerals, which can lead to a weakened immune system and increased risk of illness and disease.
Cardiovascular Disease
Frequent and regular consumption of coffee has been associated with a greater risk of cardiovascular diseases due to its stimulating effects on the heart. Coffee consumption has been linked to increased blood pressure, increased risk of palpitations and an increased risk of stroke and heart attack.
Elevated Blood Sugar Levels
Coffee contains a variety of compounds that can affect blood sugar levels, which is why frequent and excessive consumption of it is not recommended for those with diabetes. The high levels of caffeine can cause the body to release excess sugar into the bloodstream, resulting in potentially dangerous spikes in blood sugar levels.
Organ Damage
Excessive coffee drinking is also associated with the increased risk of organ damage due to its stimulatory effects. High levels of caffeine can lead to increased blood pressure and can put excessive strain on the heart and other organs in the body. Over time, this strain can lead to serious organ damage and even organ failure in extreme cases.
Addiction
Consuming too much coffee can also lead to an unhealthy addiction. People can build up a tolerance to the stimulatory effects of caffeine, leading them to drink more and more in order to get the same effect. This can lead to them drinking excessive amounts of coffee, and potentially other caffeinated beverages, in order to feel alert and energized.
Lowered Immunity
Caffeine consumption has been linked to lowered immunity due to its effect on cortisol levels. Caffeine can suppress the body’s natural ability to fight off infections and other illness, leading to an increased risk of developing various health complications.
