How Caffeine Affects Sleep

Posted on June 6, 2008 in Latest News

Caffeine is a flavourless and colorless addictive drug that is found in many foods and drinks that we consume. Caffeine has a definite effect on the quality of sleep. Coffee, lethargy and insomnia are closely related. For people who drink coffee, sleeplessness is a serious health threat that can persist as a result of long term consumption of caffeine.

What foods contain caffeine?

Foods and beverages such as tea, coffee, cocoa, chocolates and colas contain caffeine which can be the major cause of insomnia and sleep deprivation. It is also found in a number of medications where it is highly beneficial as a cardiac stimulant and a mild diuretic to raise urine production.

How caffeine affects sleep?

Caffeine affects the body in a similar, although less mild, way as amphetamines like cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroine. As coffee sets about stimulating your brain, the excess activity that results in the brain triggers the pituitary gland to secrete a hormone that leads the adrenal glands to produce adrenaline. The more caffeine you intake, the busier the brain, and the more adrenaline is used. Adrenaline is what gives you that incredible tense feeling you get when you enter a very dangerous situation; adrenaline sets your body on complete alert; caffeine, insomnia, and exhaustion go hand in hand.

What could be done?

If your sleep has been disrupted for more than a few weeks and comes in the way of your ability to perform normally during daytime, you should in the first place consult your doctor. If everything else fails and you feel that caffeine is still a big problem while trying to sleep, you could try some sleeping pills under medical supervision or may be something as simple as a glass of warm milk. Sleeping pills contain chemicals that make your body go to sleep. They can overpower caffeine and most other causes of sleeping disorders. Warm milk has lactic acid in it which releases a chemical when warmed that triggers a natural sleep cycle.

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