|  | Public Health Safety | Public Health

Negative Effects of Excessive Caffeine

Caffeine is a naturally occurring substance that exists in more than 60 types of plants worldwide. You can find caffeine in with coffee, tea leaves, cocoa beans and kola nuts. Since it is a central nervous system stimulant, excessive consumption may lead to negative side effects.

  1. Withdrawal

    • While caffeine is not an addictive substance, a person may experience some temporarily unpleasant symptoms, such as headache and drowsiness, if she abruptly ceases consumption. Gradual cessation is preferable.

    Recommendation

    • The U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM) and the National Institute of Health (NIH) recommend three 8 oz. cups of coffee per day as a regimen for moderate consumption.

    Warning

    • According to the Mayo Clinic, excessive caffeine consumption can lead to insomnia, nervousness, irregular heartbeat, muscle tremors, anxiety and headache.

    Masking Sleep Deprivation

    • The Mayo Clinic warns against using caffeine as a substitute for getting enough rest, as this will only add to sleep deprivation. In order to sleep well, the clinic not only recommends against over-consumption but avoidance of the stimulant eight hours before bedtime.

    Considerations

    • Some people are sensitive to caffeine and may experience the effects of over-consumption even if they follow recommendations. Additionally, those taking prescription drugs and antibiotics should consult with their physician about potential drug interactions.

Public Health - Related Articles