Most everyone who consumes caffeinated beverages and foods is looking for a way to improve lagging energy levels. People who are physically or psychologically dependent on caffeine may experience irritability or anger when trying to abstain from this stimulant. In a 2012 study in 94 caffeine-dependent adults, 89% of participants reported that although they desired to cut back on caffeine, they had been unsuccessful in their efforts due to withdrawal symptoms, including irritability and anger ( 16). In fact, it may be difficult for heavy caffeine users to cut back on the amount they are accustomed to without negatively impacting their mood. The caffeine in coffee may be the culprit for this feeling of irritability.īecause caffeine only lasts in the system for around 5 hours, withdrawal-like symptoms like irritability can occur after a night’s rest ( 3).Ĭoffee drinkers are used to the mood-enhancing effects of caffeine, as well as the shot of energy they receive.įor some, weaning off caffeinated beverages like coffee causes them to become irritable and moody. It’s common for regular coffee drinkers to be cranky before their morning cup of joe. For regular caffeine consumers, cutting it out may lead to a depressed mood. SummaryĬaffeine causes increased alertness and can boost feelings of well-being. One small study evaluating the short-term effects of coffee found that people who consumed caffeinated coffee experienced greater improvements in mood after 30 minutes compared to those who consumed decaffeinated coffee ( 13).Īdditionally, many studies have linked regular caffeine consumption to a reduced risk of depression.įor example, a large review of 12 studies found that people who consumed high amounts of coffee had a 24% lower risk of depression than those who consumed lower amounts ( 14).Īccording to research from 2008, the stimulant effects of caffeine can lead to feelings of well-being and increased energy, which go away when caffeine intake ends ( 15).įor this reason, your mood may take a hit if you decide to quit caffeine. It’s ability to block adenosine not only increases alertness but also has been found to improve mood ( 12). SummaryĬoffee acts as a stimulant in the body and weaning off of it can make you feel tired and drowsy.Ĭaffeine is well known for its ability to elevate mood. This can lead to excessive intake of and dependence on caffeine and make withdrawal symptoms much worse.

What’s more, those who consumed caffeine daily had more severe withdrawal symptoms, including fatigue, than those who only consumed it a few times a week ( 8).Īdditionally, its energizing effects only last in your system for about 4 to 6 hours, which may lead you to reach for multiple cups of coffee or energy drinks throughout the day to maintain alertness ( 7). However, eliminating caffeine from your diet can have the opposite effect, causing drowsiness and fatigue.įor example, a 2012 study in 213 habitual caffeine consumers demonstrated that abstaining from caffeine for 16 hours caused increased feelings of fatigue. Many people depend on a daily cup of coffee to give them an energy boost.Ĭaffeine helps increase alertness and reduce fatigue by blocking receptors for adenosine, a neurotransmitter that can make you feel drowsy ( 7). SummaryĮliminating caffeine causes increases blood flow to the brain, which can cause headaches in some people.

However, not all experts agree with this theory, so more research is needed ( 4, 5).Įven though caffeine withdrawal can cause headaches, caffeine is used to treat certain types of headaches like migraines.Ĭaffeine helps enhance the power of pain-relieving medications and reduces headache pain when consumed on its own ( 6). Headaches will subside as the brain adapts to this increase in blood flow. This sudden change in blood flow can cause painful withdrawal headaches that can vary in length and severity as the brain adapts to the increase in blood. It is thought that since caffeine consumption causes blood vessels to narrow, reducing or stopping intake allows blood vessels to open up and increases blood flow to the brain ( 4). One 2009 study found that just 250 milligrams (less than three cups of coffee) can reduce cerebral blood flow by as much as 27% ( 4). Headaches are among the most commonly reported symptoms of caffeine withdrawal ( 3).Ĭaffeine causes blood vessels in the brain to constrict, which slows blood flow.

Share on Pinterest Image credit: Fanfanlg/Twenty20

Caffeine stunt growth