A little treat can go a long way and what’s better than your iced coffee? Grabbing a vanilla latte or a sweet cold brew on your way to class or before work can brighten your whole day. The only issue is that, overtime, you can become a bit too reliant on that caffeine kick to jumpstart your day.
About 90% of Americans consume caffeine regularly, according to The United Brain Association. That means just about everyone from teens on their way to AP Biology to old folks enjoying retirement are on a steady diet of 135 mg of caffeine per day. Caffeine can cause insomnia, nervousness, restlessness, nausea, and increased heart rate. If you consume more caffeine than your body can tolerate you can also experience headaches, anxiety, and chest pain. Not fun.
Quitting your coffee addiction might be the answer, but weaning yourself off the substance is harder said than done. Most of us are mildly dependent on our coffee and quitting does have consequences. Headaches, fatigue, irritability, difficulty concentrating, muscle pain, insomnia, and even flu-like symptoms are all potential side-effects of caffeine withdrawal.
The good news is that caffeine habits are easier to break than most. Withdrawal symptoms typically begin within 12 to 24 hours after the last caffeine intake, peak within 24 to 48 hours, and only last a few days. A weekend caffeine detox could be all you need to reset yourself.
Not everyone is looking to embark on a caffeine-free crusade, but if you have trouble with being wired all the time, battling midday slumps and caffeine crashes, it might be time to take a break. Granted, no one wants to deal with a days-long headache even if it is mild.
On the brightside HungovrAF isn’t just for the girlies who spent all night partying. We’re also here for the academic weapons and early risers that want to bid adieu to their energy drink era. Escaping your caffeinated chaos doesn’t have to be painful. Pop your blackout cap in the freezer. Go to bed early. HungovrAF will be here for you in the morning.