Drinking coffee might be the go-to technique for most of us when we’re feeling tired, but sometimes, it just doesn’t hit the spot like it used to. This perplexing feeling has been widely discussed and joked about on the internet, giving rise to the widely popular ‘When You Drink Coffee But Still Feel Tired Meme.’ But why does this phenomenon happen?
Caffeine is widely known to affect the human body. A dry, sedimentary stimulant found within the seeds, leaves, and fruits of more than 60 different plants, including coffee, caffeine has a multitude of effects, with one of these being its ability to increase alertness. This is because of its ability to block the neurotransmitter adenosine, which is responsible for the regulation of sleep.
That being said, coffee can’t be relied on to cure exhaustion. Dr. Kami Sch des Marcellos, an assistant professor in the Institute of Behavioral Medicine Research at Ohio State University, claims that “”caffeine has a relatively short-term impact on decreasing fatigue and increasing alertness””. Though the effects might be noticeable within 45 minutes of consumption, and can last for up to six hours, coffee cannot completely replace the adequate amount of rest we should be receiving, and shouldn’t be used to get by with insufficient shuteye.
Though we may believe we ‘need’ coffee when we start to feel tired, in reality, most of us are likely ‘addicted’ and are using it out of habit, says Re en Berdon, a clinical psychologist. This is linked back to the comfy and secure sensation we get out of consuming coffee, as it helps us to relax and manage anxiety, which is why so many of us form such a strong connection with our first cup of joe.
However, understanding the effects of coffee and caffeine on the human body is just one part of the equation. A great deal of the time, we might be drinking coffee to compensate for the fact that we haven’t had enough sleep the night before. With insufficient rest, our bodies and minds are extremely vulnerable, and so the effects of coffee are weakened- it simply can’t replace the restorative powers of proper rest.
Aside from this, excessive consumption of coffee can be harmful in the long-run. Because of its powerful effects on the brain, dependency and addiction can be quickly developed- even within a few weeks of consumption. Excess intake can cause rapidly oscillating metabolism, disrupt sleep and results in a ‘crash’ when the caffeine layer has been removed.
Whether we’re using it to wake us up on a Monday morning, or relying on it to get us through the middle of a long day, coffee is easy and convenient to consume, however, understanding our own lifestyles and habits is essential in properly understanding the effects of coffee and caffeine, and whether it’s that cup of iced mocha we ‘needed’ or if it was something else that was actually causing our tiredness.
Does Coffee Keep You Awake?
The short answer to this question is yes- coffee can keep you awake. Unlike many other drugs available over-the-counter, caffeine acts as a stimulant, meaning it’s designed to keep you alert. However, the effects that you receive depend on a multitude of factors, such as its quantity, timeliness of ingestion and genetics.
Commonly, the effects of caffeine can last anywhere from 4-6 hours, however, this can vary depending on how frequently one consumes the stimulant. If an individual is accustomed to drinking coffee everyday, the effects may be drastically diminished. Similarly, caffeine is very quickly absorbed into the bloodstream, meaning that one cup of coffee can often be enough to make you feel awake and alert.
Another factor to consider is which form of coffee you decide to consume. Different drinks may affect your energy levels differently. For instance, a cup of black filter coffee may give you an intense spike in energy followed by a crash, while mochas and iced coffees contain added sugars, which can give you a longer, more gradual boost of energy.
Lastly, the effects of caffeine can vary from person to person- some people may experience slight jittering from one cup of coffee, while others may barely notice a difference. Similarly, withdrawal symptoms for caffeine can be experienced by some more than others, depending on their body’s natural sensitivity to foreign compounds.
Can Coffee Make You More Tired?
Though coffee is often consumed to make us feel more awake, it is important to remember that it is still a drug, and can interact with our bodies in unpredictable ways. Occasionally, you may drink coffee, yet still feel tired afterwards. This is usually due to a combination of factors that are leading to tiredness and fatigue, including irritability, negative moods, low blood sugar and dehydration.
In some extreme cases, people may rely on coffee to a point where it works against them in reducing tiredness. Biologically, caffeine increases the level of adrenaline in our bodies. Adrenaline is a hormone which is responsible for the fight or flight response- the body preparing for a stressful situation. In some cases, the adrenaline from coffee can create fatigue from the body being overstimulated.
Insomnia is also another common side effect of caffeine, even when taken in moderation. Caffeine can stay alert in your system for up to 6 hours, meaning that drinking coffee late in the day can often result in people having a disrupted sleep schedule. Therefore, if you find yourself feeling tired after drinking coffee, it is important to remember the timing of when you had it.
Can Drinking Coffee Help You Wake Up?
Contrary to the popular belief that coffee can be relied on to give you energy, coffee and caffeine may not be the best solution to your sleep problems. Despite coffee having the power to stimulate your senses, studies have shown that it can’t cure a lack of sleep.
Instead, it’s important to address the root of the problem- lack of sleep. Although caffeine may be able to temporarily mask the feelings of fatigue and low energy, this won’t help you to fall asleep quicker, where real restorative sleep is necessary.
Therefore, if you find yourself drinking too much coffee, consider dedicating yourself to getting enough sleep instead. Try going through a set pre-bedtime routine and seeing how it helps you feel on those groggy mornings. Dr. Sch des Marcellos explains, “”in the long run, seven to eight hours of good, solid sleep is the best you can do to help you feel alert during the day””.
Additionally, if you need an energy boost in the morning and don’t want to rely on coffee, there are many natural substitutes you can try. Examples include green tea, lemon and ginger, taking a cold shower and consuming energizing foods like bananas.
What Foods Contain Caffeine?
It’s likely that you only think about caffeine when you’re reaching for your morning coffee, but caffeine is actually more common than you might think. Aside from coffee, caffeine is also found in a wide range of foods and drinks, such as chocolate and sodas, as well as a variety of energy drinks and herbal teas.
Caffeine can also be found in over-the-counter medications including aspirin, pain relievers and decongestants, which may explain why some people may experience an energy boost after taking these medications. Caffeine can even be found in yerba mate, kola nuts, guarana and guayasa, which are all usually used to make energy supplements.
The important thing to remember is how much caffeine is in each beverage and food. When drinking coffee, for instance, one size definitely doesn’t fit all. Factors such as the roast and the ratio of coffee to water determine the amount of caffeine found in your cup. When eating foods that contain caffeine, like chocolate, it’s important to factor in how much you are consuming and when, to prevent the caffeine from affecting your sleep.
What Should I Do If I Am Feeling Tired?
Though it can be tempting to reach for your favourite coffee when you are feeling exhausted or pumped through with fatigue, it is important to consider your lifestyle and sleeping habits before drinking coffee. Observe your body’s response to coffee and caffeine and compare that to how you would feel after getting the right amount of sleep.
If you need an energy boost, consider natural alternatives such as green tea, having some breakfast or even taking a power nap. There are also lifestyle and dietary changes you can make to increase your energy throughout the day, such as hydration, exercising and cutting down on processed foods and refined sugars.
In any case, it is important to remember that no single approach to energy and tiredness is the same. Listen to your body, figure out what works and what doesn’t, and keep the ‘when you drink coffee but still feel tired meme’ in mind.
