Caffeine and college students: an unhealthy relationship

Sydney Allabaugh, Opinion Staff Writer

September 14, 2022

On an average morning, you can find me in line at the campus Starbucks for my daily coffee.

I am one of millions in my age demographic who have a caffeine dependency. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), caffeine is the most commonly used drug in the world. Should daily use of this stimulant be this widely accepted?

Luckily, consuming under 400 milligrams of caffeine a day is generally safe and can even have some health benefits. However, excessive caffeine usage can lead to a variety of side effects including insomnia, nervousness, heart complications and muscle tremors, according to the Mayo Clinic. This can become a serious problem if someone struggles with caffeine use disorder and requires more caffeine than average to feel alert.

Additionally, caffeine consumption by means of coffee and energy drinks can pose additional health risks. Coffee and energy drinks are both acidic, which potentially can lead to enamel erosion according to the NIH.

Sweet caffeinated drinks from Starbucks and Dunkin’ and energy drinks like Red Bull also commonly contain double the daily recommended amount of sugar. This high sugar content combined with high acidity can lead to tooth decay. High sugar intake alone can lead to obesity, heart disease, kidney diseases and more according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

Even more health issues arise when caffeine is used as a replacement for sleep. Most adults need between seven and nine hours of sleep a day. When caffeine is used to extend the amount of time spent awake, it can lead to sleep deprivation. According to the Cleveland Clinic, lack of sleep can lead to short-term problems like impaired memory and poor quality of life and long-term problems like diabetes, heart attack or stroke.

Although the stimulant caffeine is not inherently harmful in smaller doses, poor dietary and sleep habits often coincide with caffeine addiction.

When we normalize or even trivialize the effects of daily coffee consumption, many may not realize these potential dangers. Drug addiction, regardless of substance severity, should never be normalized. Luckily, you can limit the negative consequences of caffeine addiction.

Using a straw and rinsing your mouth after drinking a caffeinated beverage can prevent dental issues. Drinking black or unsweetened coffee and tea reduces sugar intake. The NIH also recommends that caffeine should be consumed over six hours before going to bed to reduce sleep disturbances.

Like most treats in our diet, coffee and tea can be safe as long as we know the risks and consume in moderation.

About the Contributor

Sydney Allabaugh, Editor-in-Chief

Sydney Allabaugh is the editor-in-chief of The Beacon. Allabaugh joined The Beacon as a first-year student writing for the opinion section. She became the assistant opinion editor during the latter half of her sophomore year and was the opinion editor throughout her junior year. She was promoted to her current role at the start of her senior year. Allabaugh will be graduating in May of 2025 with a major in Communication Studies with concentrations in Media Production and Strategic Communication, as well as a minor in Women's and Gender Studies. Outside of The Beacon, Allabaugh is the director of Wilkes Now!, Wilkes' student-run television program. She joined Wilkes Now! as a first-year student, became a production assistant her sophomore year, and began directing at the start of her junior year. Allabaugh is striving to work in television or public relations in her future.