The Effects of Caffeine

The effects of caffeine

Caffeine is the most widely used psychoactive substance but what is it really doing to our bodies?
Some believe this is a drug we all abuse. Addiction to a classic drug is usually related to an increase in cerebral functions and dopamine release in the part of the brain responsible reward, motivation and addiction. Caffeine however, does not induce release of dopamine in this area of the brain instead dopamine is released in the prefrontal cortex- which is important for reinforcement. This may be something that explains why drinking caffeine has become such trend and obsession for many people. Psychologists have said that these people have become dependent on caffeine similar to drug dependence. This is where a pattern of behaviour focussed on repetition and compulsive seeking of the psychoactive drug. 

This means that once the caffeine stops an individual will experience withdrawal reporting the following:
-Headaches
-Fatigue
-Weakness
-Drowsiness
-Impaired concentration 
-Work difficulty
-Depression 
-Anxiety
-Irritability
-Muscle tension
-Tremors

There are two main functions that are most sensitive to caffeine: the caudate nucleus and the regulation of the sleep-wake cycle. Different dosages have different effects on both these areas. Low to moderate dosage of 50mg-300mg has no major health risks but does cause increased alertness, energy and ability to concentrate. However higher doses (more than 300mg) can have increased risks incuding anxiety, insomnia, tachycardia as well as a harder withdrawal period.

Long term effects that have been correlated with high dosage coffee drinkers:
Sleep altercations- Caffeine has been shown to prolong sleep latency and shorten sleep duration while preserving the dream phase. Sleep efficiency remains below 90% of normal sleep value after 7 days of caffeine treatment.
Hemorrhagic stroke- The use of caffeine-containing medication is associated with increased risk of certain strokes.
Parkinson's disease- One surprisingly positive of coffee drinking is that coffee drinkers have been found to have a significantly reduced risk of parkinson's disease - Lau et al.
Irregular heart rate or heart rhythm
Seizures- Animal studies report that caffeine can have an effect on some seizures.
Heart attacks - Energy drinks in particular have been associated with heart attacks which may mean the caffeine is a contributing factor.

Is it time for you to reduce your caffeine intake? A researcher Brown has said “If you develop headaches when you don’t drink coffee, it may be time to limit the amount of caffeine you’re drinking on a daily basis.”

Natasha Lynch

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