Teenagers have much to do these days. AP classes, frustrating projects, and those dreadful, dreadful tests! If you are like me, you probably have a cup of freshly brewed coffee in the morning, just to stay awake throughout the day. Once you take a drink of that caffeine goodness, you feel alive, rejuvenated, and ready to take on the day. However, have you ever wondered exactly what it is in caffeine that makes you stay awake? You have most likely seen your parents and other adults start off their mornings with a hefty dose of coffee and probably even throughout their day. Teens have begun to intake their own doses of caffeine in the morning as well, but is it exactly good for you?
Let’s first look into what caffeine is. According to the National Institutes of Health, caffeine is a chemical compound found in various plants that acts as a central nervous system stimulant. It is common in items like coffee, soft drinks, tea, energy drinks, chocolate, and even some over-the-counter drugs. Despite its potency, caffeine is a widely accepted drug that most people actually find harmless and even sometimes beneficial. Unfortunately, there are plenty of harmful effects of caffeine as well.
Caffeine is perhaps best known for its ability to counteract sleepiness or drowsiness. Caffeine is a type of stimulant, which can heighten a user’s feelings of alertness and can ultimately be used to combat fatigue and over-exhaustion. For teens, this can prove to be rather unhealthy. It is very common for teenagers to get minimal sleep. It is also very common for teenagers to consume caffeine simply to stay up late socializing, texting, talking on the phone, or studying. In turn, they feel exhausted the next morning, prompting them to consume more caffeine in order to stay awake. Unfortunately, this creates a cycle of caffeine overuse and sleep deprivation.
Another minor concern is nutrition. Many teenagers substitute caffeinated drinks like coffee, sodas, and energy drinks for other drinks that are actually very nutritious, such as milk, water, and fruit juices. This then leaves teenagers without the right amount of healthy nutrients, including calcium, vitamin C, and iron. Other common side effects include but are not limited to: anxiety, racing heart, high blood pressure, insomnia, jittery feelings, restlessness, irritability, and headaches.
If you enjoy drinking caffeinated drinks, try to minimize your caffeine intake in favor of better sleep habits and healthier dietary choices. If you really have concerns or questions, you should consult your pediatrician or family physician for specific advice and recommendations.