Computing - SAC 1 | Home | The Infographic | Information about Caffeine

INFORMATION ABOUT CAFFEINE

What is caffeine?

Caffeine is classified as a stimulant drug. Basically, this means that it interferes with the neurons in the body and speeds up the messages sent to and from the brain. Is this really a bad thing? Based on a person's weight, health and what else they've had that day, the effects of caffeine can vary greatly. Some people may feel more awake, aware and active whilst others may experience anxiety, headaches and dehydration.

Does caffeine even affect sleep?

The simple answer is yes. The whole reason that people drink caffeine is because they want to stay awake. Whilst most people would think that staying awake longer would make you more tired and therefore sleep better later, the opposite is true. Because caffeine is an antagonist of adenosine (the chemical that makes you sleepy), drinking caffeine will interfere with the body’s ability to sleep properly and can cause disruptive sleep.

How does caffeine affect health?

Consuming large amounts of caffeine can disrupt many systems in the body. For people who were assigned female at birth (AFAB) caffeine can cause the reproductive system to malfunction and if the person were pregnant, caffeine can cause slowed fetal growth and an increased risk of a miscarraige. Too much caffeine can cause muscle aches, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting as well as instability in the bowel which leads to increased urination. To minimise any negative effects scientists recommend consuming less than 400mg of caffeine, or even no caffeine a day.

Random facts about caffeine.