College students are drinking more caffeine than ever before. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a whopping 92% of students rely on coffee, energy drinks and caffeine-packed snacks to power through late-night study sessions and early morning classes, but at what cost?
While these boosts may seem essential to academic survival, dependence on caffeine may be doing more harm than good—both to students’ health and their productivity.
Caffeine is a natural component found in drinks, including coffee and tea, as well as some foods, such as chocolate. Synthetic caffeine produced from urea and chloroacetic acid is added to soda, energy drinks and even some medications.
According to the National Institutes of Health, 85% of adults in America consume caffeine on a daily basis, relying on its energizing effects to enhance their mood and optimize their performance. In fact, according to the article entitled “Caffeine” by Villanova University, caffeine is the most commonly used drug among Americans.
Many of us, especially college students, consume too much caffeine on a day-to-day basis. The aforementioned article states that the recommended amount of caffeine is less than 200-300 mg per day; however, many college students consume closer to 400-500 mg.
College students rely on caffeine due to its ability to enhance alertness, increase energy and aid in academic performance.
Some students may even become reliant on caffeine to maintain their desired level of alertness, leading to a cycle of increased consumption.
Junior toxicology major Brooke Barrett drinks approximately two coffees and a Monster each week for the energy boost.
“My caffeine intake has definitely increased since starting college,” Barret said. “I used to never drink caffeine, but now I get headaches if I go too long without it. I honestly do not believe that I would have made it this far in college without caffeine.”
Barret also mentioned that during finals week last semester, she would have about two Monster energy drinks per day.
One can of Monster contains 160 mg of caffeine. Drinking two entire cans of Monster would total 320 mg of caffeine. While being 20 mg over the recommended daily dose of caffeine may not seem that bad, this does not include the natural sources of the drug consumed in everyday products.
The most common effects of caffeine overconsumption are anxiety, digestive issues, headaches, increased heart rate, insomnia and tremors.
Students rely on caffeine to make it through the day and, let’s be honest, sometimes, the night.
College students should consider consuming less caffeine for several important reasons, including sleep disruption, increased stress, dependency and tolerance as well as decreased cognitive function and focus.
Caffeine is a stimulant that can interfere with sleep patterns. College students juggling classes, assignments and social activities need adequate sleep for both cognitive function and mental health. Caffeine overconsumption can make it harder to fall asleep, leading to fatigue and reduced academic performance.
High caffeine intake can also increase feelings of anxiety and stress. It stimulates the nervous system, and in some people, excessive amounts of caffeine can lead to nervousness or heightened stress—especially during exams or difficult situations.
Regular caffeine consumption can lead to dependency, meaning students may need more of it to feel awake and alert. Over time, the body builds tolerance, which reduces the stimulating effect of the drug and potentially leading to withdrawal symptoms, such as headaches, fatigue and irritability, when caffeine is not consumed.
Although caffeine may provide a good short-term energy boost, studies show that prolonged exposure to excessive amounts of the drug can impair memory and cognitive function. For sustained concentration, focus and learning, students need consistent and balanced energy sources rather than relying on caffeine for temporary boosts.
While caffeine can be beneficial in moderation, college students must use it responsibly to avoid negative effects on their health, mental well-being and academic performance.
The first step to monitoring your caffeine consumption is to ensure that you are not consuming too much. To learn more about your daily caffeine intake and tips on how to break your caffeine habit, visit ULM’s on-campus clinic today!
