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Why Caffeine gives people Anxiety

Caffeine and anxiety aren't a great combination. There are reasons why you should quit coffee. Here are some reasons why caffeine gives people anxiety.

Caffeine and anxiety is not a good mixture. I didn’t quite put two and two together until I decided to switch from coffee to teas and holy crap there’s a huge difference with my levels of anxiety! Caffeine is a psychoactive substance found in various foods and beverages, such as coffee, tea, energy drinks, and certain sodas. It’s everywhere and it’s not difficult to overdose. There are many reasons why anxiety and caffeine are linked but here are 6 reasons why.

Please note: I’m not a doctor, but caffeine can potentially affect anxiety due to its stimulating effects on the nervous system. If you’re concerned about the impact of caffeine on your anxiety, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

1) Stimulation of the Central Nervous System

Caffeine works by blocking the action of adenosine, a neurotransmitter that promotes relaxation and sleep. By doing so, caffeine increases the levels of other neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine, which can lead to increased alertness, focus, and sometimes a sense of nervousness or restlessness.3 Ever had restless legs after drinking the morning cup-o-joe? It’s because of the caffeine. Once past the amount required for the addiction that’s all hyperactivity.

2) Increased Heart Rate and Physical Symptoms

Caffeine can cause an increase in heart rate, muscle tension, and other physical symptoms. These physiological changes can mimic some of the symptoms of anxiety, such as a racing heart, jitteriness, and unease. 4 This is further example of caffeine and the effects on the central nervous system. That lack of adenosine basically means that you cannot relax your heart or muscle tension.

Via cheezburger.com

3) Caffeine Sensitivity and Pre-existing Anxiety

People who already have anxiety disorders or are prone to anxiety may be more sensitive to the stimulating effects of caffeine. For these individuals, consuming even moderate amounts of caffeine might trigger or worsen feelings of anxiety, restlessness, or nervousness. 5

4) Sleep Disruption

Caffeine’s stimulating effects can interfere with sleep, especially if consumed later in the day. There’s lots of reasons why it’s ill advised to drink caffeine after noon. Poor sleep or insomnia is known to contribute to anxiety and stress. Individuals who don’t get enough sleep due to caffeine consumption might experience increased anxiety levels as a result. 6

5) Withdrawal Symptoms

Regular consumption of caffeine can lead to addiction. When caffeine intake is suddenly reduced or stopped, withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, irritability, fatigue, and mood disturbances can occur, which may contribute to feelings of anxiety. 7

6) Interaction with other Factors

Anxiety is a complex condition influenced by a variety of factors, including genetics, personality traits, life experiences, and overall health. Caffeine’s impact on anxiety can be influenced by these individual factors. It may be the psychoactive substance interacting with every day encounters such as bad traffic or rude individuals.

Via Twitter @SarahCAndersen

Furthermore important to note that not everyone experiences anxiety in response to caffeine, and many individuals can consume moderate amounts of caffeine without any negative effects on their anxiety levels. It’s okay to experiment with caffeine to see if reducing or cutting it out entirely will be beneficial to you.

Enjoying my Decaf!

Rachel McG

Saturate Life: A Design Blog
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  6. Gardiner C, Weakley J, Burke LM, Roach GD, Sargent C, Maniar N, Townshend A, Halson SL. The effect of caffeine on subsequent sleep: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Sleep Med Rev. 2023 Jun;69:101764. doi: 10.1016/j.smrv.2023.101764. Epub 2023 Feb 6. PMID: 36870101. Click here for the link.
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