Caffeine
Coffee contains large amounts of caffeine, a stimulant known to increase alertness, focus and energy levels. Although coffee can help us feel awake and alert, it can also cause physical side effects. Caffeine can act as a diuretic which can increase urination of water and salt, sometimes leading to dehydration which can cause hand shakes or trembling.
In addition, caffeine can act on the adrenal glands which can lead to an increase in adrenaline. This increase in adrenaline can lead to a state of excitability and anxiousness- causing the body to shake or tremble.
Finally, caffeine can act on the central nervous system, causing the body to be “on edge”. This can lead to trembling, quickened heart rate and anxiety- leading to trembling hands.
Dehydration
Coffee is a diuretic and can lead to dehydration. When the body is short of fluids, the body reacts by shaking and trembling to try and conserve water in the body. Dehydration can also lead to a drop in blood pressure and electrolyte levels- both of which can lead to trembling and shaking hands.
Dehydration can also lead to fatigue, confusion and dizziness. These symptoms can further increase the risk of hand trembles as the body is less able to cope with stressful situations.
It is therefore important to stay hydrated, especially when drinking coffee. Drinking plenty of water is key to avoiding the symptoms of dehydration, including trembling hands.
Essential Tremors
Essential Tremor (ET) is a neurological condition that can cause trembling and shaking in the hands and other parts of the body. This type of tremor is usually caused by an underlying medical condition or genetic disorder, such as Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis. Whilst coffee itself doesn’t cause essential tremor, it can make the symptoms worse.
In particular, caffeine can act as a stimulant, exacerbating the symptoms of ET. It is therefore important to be aware of any underlying medical conditions that may be triggering the trembling and to consider whether or not to cut back on caffeine if ET symptoms worsen.
Stress and Anxiety
Stress and anxiety can also cause hand trembling. High levels of stress and anxiety can lead to the body being on “high alert”, often resulting in trembling and shaking of the hands. Caffeine can further stimulate this effect, making the trembling worse.
It is therefore important to identify the source of any stress or anxiety, so that it can be managed effectively. There are a wide range of treatments available, from cognitive behavioural therapy to lifestyle and dietary changes, so finding the right approach is key in managing stress and anxiety.
In addition, engaging in activities such as yoga and mindfulness can help to promote relaxation and reduce stress levels, which in turn can help to reduce hand trembling.
Caffeine Sensitivity
Some individuals may be sensitive to caffeine, meaning that they are more susceptible to its effects and may experience more pronounced side effects. If you find yourself experiencing trembling after drinking coffee, it is possible that you have an underlying caffeine sensitivity.
In this case, it is important to be mindful of the amount of caffeine you consume. Cutting back on coffee or switching to decaffeinated varieties may be beneficial. Additionally, herbal teas and non-caffeinated drinks are other alternatives to conventional coffee.
Conclusion
Ultimately, drinking coffee can cause hand trembles for a variety of reasons- from caffeine, dehydration and essential tremors, to stress, anxiety and caffeine sensitivity. It is therefore important to be aware of the underlying causes in order to manage the symptoms effectively. Keeping hydrated and reducing caffeine consumption are two key strategies when it comes to preventing hand trembling.
