Your Coffee Might Be The Cause Of Anxiety; Know How This Beverage Impacts Your Mental Health

Coffee is an extremely popular beverage, known for its rich flavour and caffeine content. A lot of people cannot start their day without coffee and it is known to have several important nutrients such as antioxidants. It is also one of the beverages that has been studied extensively. Coffee can also help improve focus, energy level and mood. Some studies suggest that the beverage can help to reduce the risks of type 2 diabetes, cancer, liver disease and several other conditions. However, drinking too much coffee can have side effects as well. This happens due to the caffeine content in it. Excessive consumption can cause anxiety, restlessness and irritability and can worsen symptoms of anxiety disorders. Also, if an individual is reliant on coffee, it can lead to dependency and withdrawal symptoms like headaches or mood swings when consumption is reduced.

Here, take a look at how coffee impacts your mental health. Increased AnxietyThe caffeine content in coffee stimulates the central nervous system which can lead to increased anxiety. Consuming excessive amounts of caffeine may cause restlessness, nervousness or a feeling of being ‘on edge.’ Sleep DisruptionCaffeine blocks adenosine which is a chemical that promotes sleep which can cause insomnia or reduce sleep quality. Poor sleep negatively impacts mental health, thereby, causing irritability, stress and cognitive decline over time. Mood SwingsThe stimulant effect of caffeine can help to boost your mood in the short term. However, it can result in crashes once the effect wears off. These changes in mood can lead to feelings of irritability or depression especially in people sensitive to caffeine. Dependence and WithdrawalRegular consumption of coffee can lead to caffeine dependence. If you skip your usual dose, you might have withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, fatigue and irritability. This tends to impact your mental well-being. Increased Stress ResponseCaffeine can increase the cortisol (the stress hormone) level in the body. High cortisol levels can lead to increased stress which might impact your concentration, emotional regulation and overall mental health. Temporary Focus and AlertnessWhile caffeine may temporarily improve focus, alertness and cognitive performance, over-reliance on it can lead to burnout or mental exhaustion when you don’t consume it, thereby, creating a cycle of dependence. Agitation or IrritabilityFor people who are sensitive to caffeine or those who consume it in excess, the stimulating effects can lead to irritability, agitation or jitteriness, thereby, exacerbating symptoms of anxiety or stress.