Caffeine occurs naturally in coffee, tea and chocolate and has an array of effects, both positive and negative, on human physiology. According to the Coffee Science Information Centre, caffeine is the most widely consumed stimulating substance drug in the world. Caffeine acts on the central nervous system to temporarily increase alertness, mental clarity and energy level. However, caffeine is also an addicting substance, notes Johns Hopkins Medicine, which leads to uncomfortable effects once use is stopped. Caffeine withdrawal symptoms can range from mild to severe, depending on the amount of daily consumption and duration of use.
Fatigue and Lethargy
Missing your daily dose of caffeine can result in temporarily feeling sluggish and tired. However, quitting caffeine altogether causes longer bouts of fatigue and lethargy in some, notes Johns Hopkins Medicine. Fatigue refers to a loss of strength, energy and overall motivation for engaging in daily activities. Ironically, caffeine is used by many to reduce the morning doldrums and start the day with energy. The conundrum is that the same instrument used to prevent fatigue, actually causes this effect after prolonged use, followed by cessation. The length of this effect differs per individual but can last from two days after cessation up to nine days. To combat this effect, try gradually decreasing your caffeine consumption each day before quitting completely.
Sleep Disturbance
Caffeine interferes in sleep comfort, resulting in deprivation, delayed onset or reduced total sleep time. Quitting use of caffeine can enhance this effect temporarily. MayoClinic.com notes that caffeine withdrawal may also cause you to wake up several times during the night as your body gets use to the lack of caffeine. As you attempt to quit use, try to avoid caffeine at least eight hours prior to bedtime. The body does not store caffeine, but it does take hours to process the stimulating effects from use of the substance.
Anxiety and Irritability
The Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center indicates that increased anxiety and irritability are associated with quitting caffeine. Anxiety refers to the jitters or nervousness and people with existing anxiety disorders experience enhanced symptoms after prolonged caffeine use and later cessation. Mood instability and irritability is also associated with quitting caffeine, which is likely the culprit in people returning to caffeine use after trying to quit. A reinforcing effect is described by Johns Hopkins as the activating substance or drug, causing individuals to return to use in a cyclical fashion.
Headaches
Caffeine headaches commonly occur from use of coffee and pain relievers containing caffeine. Cleveland Clinic notes that caffeine contained in over-the-counter pain relievers serves to treat headaches, yet also becomes problematic in causing rebound headaches. Rebound headaches develop from prolonged or overuse of caffeine containing medications as well as beverages. Quitting caffeine can cause headaches temporarily, but with time, these subside.
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