Caffeine is a bitter-tasting, plant-derived substance that adds stimulant properties to various foods, beverages and dietary supplements. According to a study published in "Behavioural Pharmacology" in 2009, caffeine has a more dramatic impact on boys than on girls between ages 12 and 17. Though caffeine affects people differently, its side effects may negatively affect boys' sleep patterns, emotions, digestive health and heart beat.
Sleep Problems
As a stimulant, caffeine can cause heightened alertness that may interfere with sleep. According to the University of Michigan Health System, caffeine can exacerbate sleep problems in children--one of the most common challenges parents face. Boys who drink excessive amounts of caffeine, consume caffeine late in the day or evening, and those who are particularly sensitive to caffeine are at heightened risk for caffeine-related sleep problems. Caffeine may cause boys to experience difficulty in falling to sleep and/or remaining asleep, which can result in drowsiness and additional desire for caffeine use during the day. The University of Michigan Health System recommends that parents of children with sleep difficulties restrict foods and beverages containing caffeine, including hot cocoa, soft drinks, energy drinks, coffee and tea, since even modest caffeine intake may disturb children's sleep.
Emotional Effects
Caffeine can also disturb boys' emotional well-being. According to research published in "Experimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology" in 1998, children who consume high doses of caffeine, or more than 3 mg per kilogram of body weight, demonstrate nervousness, anxiety and jitters. In addition, boys may experience withdrawal symptoms such as irritability and depressive moods when stopping caffeine use and between intermittent periods of caffeine consumption. Since boys are often affected more significantly by caffeine, they may experience more severe emotional side effects than girls. Emotional problems may also stem from sleep deficiencies caused by caffeine intake.
Digestive Symptoms
Caffeine may cause a number of digestive symptoms in boys. According to a "National Post" article from July 2010, excessive caffeine intake has been linked with nausea and vomiting in children. Boys may also experience stomach pain, reduced appetite and unintentional weight loss if nausea or other digestive symptoms reduce their willingness to eat.
Increased Heart Rate
The stimulant properties of caffeine can cause increased blood pressure and heart rate. According to MayoClinic.com, the amounts of caffeine present in 2 to 3 cups of coffee can cause temporary spikes in blood pressure. People with heart disease and high blood pressure are at a heightened risk. Boys with high blood pressure may fare best by limiting or avoiding caffeine. Excessive caffeine intake, or no more than 62.5 mg for children, according to the "National Post," is also linked with irregular heart beats.
References
- "Behavioural Pharmacology"; Sex Differences in Reinforcing Value of Caffeinated Beverages in Adolescents; Jennifer L. Temple, et al.; December 2009
- "Experimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology"; Behavioral Effects of Caffeine and other Methylxanthines on Children; February 1998
- "National Post"; Label Energy Drinks with Caffeine Amounts, Limit Advertising to Kids: Canadian Doctors; Sharon Kirkey; July 2010
- MayoClinic.com: Caffeine Effects on Blood Pressure
- University of Michigan Health System: Sleep Problems in Children
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