When you hear that first sharp beep of your alarm clock on Monday morning, your saving grace may be the hot, potent cup of coffee you reach for. Ironically, though, the coffee you rely on to wake you up and get you through the day may also be the reason you feel extremely tired when you get home. It may also be the reason you can't fall asleep when you finally lay your head on your pillow. Coffee is indeed bittersweet -- in more ways than just taste.
Energy Boost
Coffee is most commonly used to combat fatigue. Its caffeine content elevates physical energy and mental alertness. Brewed coffee contains approximately 95 to 200 mg of caffeine per 8-oz. serving. Caffeine stimulates your central nervous system and raises your metabolic rate, causing the burst of energy you experience when you drink coffee.
Energy Crash
While coffee helps you snap out of your sluggish state, it can also contribute to it. When the caffeine from the coffee is no longer active in your system, you may experience a crash in energy. This can cause fatigue, as well as restlessness, anxiousness and sleeplessness. The National Sleep Foundation states that consuming three 8-oz. cups of coffee per day is probably safe, but that you should monitor your individual response to caffeine. If you experience extreme crashes and fatigue approximately six hours after consuming coffee, you might try cutting your intake.
Effects on Sleep
When you feel fatigued and tired from a hard day at work, the only thing you may want to do is get into your warm, soft bed and fall into a peaceful slumber. But if you drink coffee up to six hours prior, it may inhibit sleep and cause you to toss and turn. Caffeine increases your adrenaline production and suppresses chemicals in your brain that induce sleepiness. You can, however, try to cope with sleep problems from caffeine by establishing a consistent, relaxing bedtime pattern, such as taking a bath.
Warning
In addition to fatigue and interrupted sleep, excess caffeine can lead to further health complications. It can cause irregular heart rhythms, which can contribute to heart complications. It can also lead to headaches and irritability. Furthermore, if you suddenly stop using caffeine, you may experience symptoms of withdrawal. Consult your doctor if you are experiencing insomnia or chronic fatigue while consuming caffeine.
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