Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world, and many people rely on their daily caffeine fix to start the day or to make it through the afternoon. Despite its popularity, it can often leave people feeling more tired than energized after consuming it – so why is this?
Experts in the field attribute this problem to something called ‘caffeine jitters’, which occurs when too much coffee is consumed too quickly. Caffeine overloads the body’s system and can leave you feeling shaky and weak as it wears off. In addition, coffee has a diuretic effect, meaning it causes the body to lose fluids faster than normal. This can lead to dehydration, which can further worsen the feeling of tiredness and weakness.
Another consideration is the timing of coffee drinking. Many people tend to drink coffee late in the day and this can have a detrimental effect on overall energy levels as it often disrupts the body’s sleep cycle. It can also make it harder to fall asleep, leading to a decrease in restful sleep which in turn can lead to fatigue and tiredness.
Lastly, it is important to consider the quality of the coffee that is being consumed. Some coffees are more acidic than others, which can cause heartburn or indigestion, both of which may cause feelings of tiredness. It is therefore important to be mindful of the type of coffee and how much of it is consumed.
Effects on mood and concentration
Caffeine can also have an effect on the brain and its ability to carry out tasks. It can cause a build-up of brain fogginess and impair the ability to concentrate or stay focused on tasks. It can also lead to an increase in anxiety levels, which can lead to feelings of fatigue and exhaustion.
According to research, drinking too much coffee can lead to higher levels of cortisol, a hormone which contributes to stress. This can in turn lead to issues with concentration, memory, and decision-making.
In addition, the consumption of too much caffeine can lead to mood swings and irritability. This is because the stimulant effects of caffeine can cause an emotional rollercoaster, from a rush of energy to feelings of irritability and fatigue.
Therefore, it is important to be mindful of the amount of coffee that is consumed, as too much can lead to a plethora of issues, one of which being tiredness.
Different brewing methods and bean types
The type of coffee bean used and the method of brewing also play a significant role in the effects of the beverage. Different beans have different levels of caffeine, with the light and medium roasts having less than the darker varieties. The method of brewing also affects the level of caffeine, with espresso providing more caffeine than other forms of coffee.
Whole beans contain more caffeine than ground beans and cold brew coffees have the lowest caffeine content of all. Therefore, it is important to consider the type of coffee bean and the brewing method used when trying to avoid the feeling of tiredness.
In addition, organic coffee can be a safer option as it is free from the chemicals used to grow and process coffee beans, which can further enhance the feeling of fatigue.
The best way to avoid the feeling of tiredness after drinking coffee is to eat and drink in moderation. Try to limit yourself to one or two cups of coffee a day, and opt for gentle coffees like light or medium roast.
The time of day also matters; it is recommended to drink coffee in moderation before noon as drinking it later than this can disrupt the body’s natural sleep cycle. Additionally, one should hydrate regularly throughout the day to counteract the diuretic effects of coffee.
Finally, it is important to be mindful of caffeine tolerance levels as those with a higher tolerance will be less affected by the fatigue-inducing effects of coffee.
Effects on overall health
As well as causing fatigue, excessive consumption of caffeine can have a detrimental effect on overall health. In particular, it can lead to issues such as nervousness, restlessness and an increase in heart rate.
It can also lead to stomach issues such as indigestion and heartburn, as mentioned earlier. Therefore, it is important to keep consumption of coffee in moderation in order to avoid any health problems.
In addition, drinking excessive amounts of coffee can lead to a dependence on the beverage which can be difficult to break away from. This can lead to an increase in tolerance and an eventual disconnection from the original desired mental and physical benefits of the beverage.
Therefore, it is important to be mindful of the amount of coffee that is consumed, and to make sure that it is the right kind.
Ingredients and additives
Finally, it is important to consider the ingredients that are commonly added to coffees. Many sugar-filled syrups and flavored milk products that are added to coffees can be damaging to the body. These additives can increase the amount of sugar intake, leading to feelings of tiredness and an energy crash.
In addition, some people add creamers and other artificial additives to their coffee which can overload the body with unhealthy fats and unhealthy sugars. These additives can cause bloating, which can lead to feelings of tiredness and can impair digestion.
Overall, it is important to be mindful of the ingredients and additives that are added to coffee, as they can have an effect on the feeling of fatigue.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is clear that even though coffee is a popular beverage, it can lead to feelings of tiredness if it is abused or if the wrong type of coffee and brewing method is used. It is therefore important to be mindful of the type of coffee consumed, the amount and the method of brewing. It is also important to consider the other ingredients that are added to the drinks, such as creamers and syrups, as they can be detrimental to the body and further lead to feelings of fatigue.
