Caffeine withdrawal is a physical and mental condition that occurs when a person suddenly stops consuming caffeine after having regularly consumed it for a prolonged period of time. Caffeine is a stimulant found in coffee, tea, and energy drinks and is one of the most widely consumed psychoactive substances in the world.
When a person suddenly stops consuming caffeine, they may experience a range of symptoms including headaches, fatigue, irritability, difficulty in concentrating, dysphoria, and even depression. These symptoms typically peak within the first 24-48 hours of quitting caffeine. As per research, it can last up to nine days. Caffeine withdrawal is not life-threatening but can be unpleasant and uncomfortable.
Headache
According to research, the most common symptom of caffeine withdrawal is a headache. This is caused by the sudden drop in blood pressure and the body’s need to adjust to the lack of caffeine. Caffeine consumption causes constriction of blood vessels in the brain, which reduces blood flow.
Fatigue
A 2012 research of 213 frequent caffeine drinkers found that avoiding caffeine for 16 hours enhanced sensations of tiredness. As caffeine is a stimulant, when it’s removed from the body, it can cause extreme fatigue.
Also read: How Caffeine Dependency Can Be Harmful For Your Health
Difficulty While Concentrating
Caffeine is known for improving concentration, so its withdrawal can cause difficulty in focusing and remembering things.
Caffeine increases heart rate and blood pressure and stimulates the brain, resulting in enhanced alertness and focus. Caffeine withdrawal can impair attention since your body struggles to adjust to life without it.
Stomach Upset
According to studies, withdrawal of caffeine can cause an upset stomach. Caffeine stimulates colon and intestinal contractions. These contractions aid in the passage of food and waste through the gastrointestinal tract.
Also read: How Does Caffeine Impact Your Hair and Skin?
Caffeine addicts may develop moderate constipation after reducing their caffeine intake.
Depression And Insomnia
Caffeine can affect the body’s natural production of serotonin, so when you stop taking caffeine it can cause feelings of depression. Phasing out caffeine can cause difficulty while sleeping and even insomnia.
Caffeine is a white, bitter chemical found naturally in over 60 plants, including coffee beans, tea leaves, and cacao pods used in chocolate production. Caffeine is classified as both a food additive and a medication by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
