Why does coffee make me sleepy? Many people feel sleepy and tired after coffee intake. There are several reasons behind that.
What Will I learn
This article will help you understand coffee’s effects on the body. You’ll learn the basic precaution you can take to avoid being sleepy due to coffee.
Why Does Coffee Make Me Sleepy
Have you ever noticed that after having coffee, you feel like taking a nap shortly afterward?
It can seem that something so energizing could make you sleepy, but there’s actually an explanation behind it.
The Caffeine is a stimulant that helps increase alertness and concentration levels. When the caffeine wears off, your body experiences a sudden decrease in energy.
It then over-compensates by crashing and making you feel very tired. That’s why drinking coffee can make you feel both energized and sleepy at the same time.
There are several explanations for this phenomenon.
1. Caffeine Blocks Adenosine:
One reason is that caffeine blocks adenosine receptors in your brain.
Adenosine builds up during the day and tells your body it’s time to sleep when the level gets high enough.
Caffeine prevents your body from getting the signal to sleep by blocking these receptors.
That is why it can give you energy when consumed in moderation.
2. Caffeine Causes Dehydration:
Another explanation is that caffeine has a dehydrating effect. It can make you feel tired.
Its energizing effects may wear off after a few hours. It can leave you exhausted by the afternoon slump. You may feel dizziness after drinking coffee.
3. Effect of Mold:
Mold contamination in coffee beans can lead to various issues within the final product.
Mold found in coffee beans has been linked to respiratory and digestive issues. It can even result in allergic reactions.
It would help to ensure that your beans were mold-free before using them. All in all, many factors are at play regarding why coffee can make me sleepy.
Elements Of Coffee And Their Effects
Coffee is made up of many different elements and compounds. All have their own unique effects on flavor and body.
Chemically speaking, coffee primarily comprises carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, minerals, and water.
The compounds in coffee that contribute to its characteristic taste are caffeine, trigonelline, and chlorogenic acid.
1. Caffeine:
Caffeine is a stimulant that increases alertness and energy levels.
It’s the main component responsible for the bitter flavor associated with coffee. It boosts your energy level for your day.
2. Trigonelline:
It adds a subtle sweetness to coffee beverages. It makes up about 1% of the total composition of coffee beans.
It is a nitrogen-containing compound that gives coffee its characteristic flavor and aroma.
Trigonelline has anti-diabetic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.
3. Chlorogenic Acid:
Chlorogenic acid gives the coffee an acidic bite. CGA is an antioxidant found naturally in coffee beans.
Chlorogenic acid help promote healthy blood sugar levels. It reduces inflammation and provides other potential health benefits.
4. Other Minerals:
Coffee contains other minerals such as magnesium and calcium. They add complexity to the flavor profile.
Each mineral is essential for a variety of bodily functions. It helps to regulate blood pressure to provide energy.
5. Water:
Water plays an important role in coffee. Water is the main component that forms the foundation of your brew.
It helps extract flavor and aroma from the ground coffee beans. It makes sure all those delicious notes shine through in your cup.
All these elements combine to create your coffee’s complex flavor profile.
Side-Effects Of Excessive Coffee On The Body
Coffee is one of the most popular morning pick-me-ups in the world. But it can also have some side effects if you drink too much.
While moderate coffee consumption has been linked to health benefits. Drinking more than that could lead to negative side effects on your body.
Here are a few things to watch out for:
1. Increased Blood Pressure:
Caffeine in coffee can cause a short-term increase in blood pressure and heart rate. In some cases, this effect doesn’t last long.
If you’re sensitive to caffeine, your blood pressure may remain elevated throughout the day.
It can increase your risk of developing hypertension over the long term.
2. Anxiety:
A side effect of increased blood pressure is feeling anxious. This is a common experience for those who drink more than three cups of coffee daily.
Caffeine’s stimulant effect can contribute to feelings of physical tension and mental restlessness.
3. Sleep Issues:
High caffeine intake can lead to sleep issues such as insomnia. This is because caffeine blocks certain receptors in your brain.
It can block especially those which are responsible for making you feel sleepy.
4. Gastrointestinal Discomfort:
Too much coffee can cause gastric discomfort due to its acidic content. It irritates your stomach lining and intestines.
You may suffer symptoms like nausea and upset stomach. This can be the result of drinking an excessive amount of coffee.
5. Dehydration:
Coffee is a diuretic, meaning it makes your body lose more water than it would normally. This result in dehydration.
This happens because caffeine causes the kidneys to release more sodium into the urine. It then draws more water out of the cells and into the urine.
6. Heartburn:
High doses of caffeine can trigger heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux (GERD). This occurs because caffeine relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter.
It causes acid from the stomach to flow back up into your esophagus.
So, consider all these side effects of excessive coffee intake. Take coffee in moderate amounts to avail its benefits.
Tips To Avoid The Side-Effects of Coffee
When you think of coffee, the first thing that comes to mind is a pick-me-up. But too much coffee can lead to side effects like headaches, anxiety, and digestive issues.
Here are some tips to minimize the side effects of drinking coffee:
1. Drink in Moderation:
Don’t drink more than two cups of coffee per day.
Too much caffeine can cause symptoms like jitteriness and difficulty sleeping.
2. Avoid Caffeine on an Empty Stomach:
Drinking caffeine when your stomach is empty is not normal. It can lead to nausea and other uncomfortable physical symptoms.
Make sure to eat something before having your daily cup of Joe.
3. Limit Your Sugar Intake:
Many people add sugar or creamer to their coffee, which adds extra calories and can lead to weight gain.
Try drinking your coffee black or adding almond milk for flavor.
4. Choose a Low-Acidity Coffee:
Acidic foods like coffee can cause stomach pains and heartburn if consumed excessively.
Try switching up your regular blend for one that has a lower acidity level.
5. Increase Fluid Intake:
Increase fluid intake in a day to avoid dehydration. Drink plenty of water throughout the day and cut back on other caffeinated drinks like soda.
Following these tips will help keep the side effects of coffee very low. You can enjoy your daily cup with fewer worries. So grab your favorite mug and relax.
Tips To Increase The Benefits Of Coffee
To increase the benefits of coffee, you can add several things to it.
Here are some healthy ingredients to add to your coffee to make it delicious and beneficial.
1. Add Superfood:
Adding a superfood boost is one of the most popular ways to enjoy coffee and increase its benefits.
Healthy ingredients like chia seeds and flaxseeds can add extra nutrients to coffee.
These superfoods contain fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
Plus, they’ll give you an extra energy boost that’ll help keep you going throughout the day.
2. Combine Natural Ingredients:
To increase its health benefits, combine it with other natural ingredients. You can add raw honey or cinnamon.
Raw honey has antibacterial properties that can help fight off bacteria in your body.
Cinnamon has powerful anti-inflammatory effects that can help reduce inflammation and improve digestion.
3. Add Coconut Oil:
If you want to switch up the flavor of your regular cup of coffee, try adding some coconut oil to the mix.
Coconut oil is loaded with healthy fats. These help to boost energy levels. Adding will make your coffee creamier and slightly sweeter.
You don’t have to add any sugar or sweeteners.
These healthy tips will help to maximize the coffee benefits.
When To Consult A Physician
Coffee is a popular beverage known for its stimulating effects. Many people choose coffee for an energy boost.
It may indicate an underlying condition if you feel sleepy after drinking coffee. It can be tempting to push through the fatigue with more caffeine.
Consulting your physician is the best way to determine what’s causing the issue. They will look at how much caffeine you are consuming.
They’ll rule out any underlying medical conditions contributing to this drowsiness.
Talk to your doctor and get proper medication for being sleepy after coffee.
Conclusion:
Commonly, you might feel sleepy after drinking coffee. You’d think the caffeine would give you an energy boost, but sometimes that isn’t the case.
Everyone is different and will react in their own way. If you are sleepy after coffee, you must look for possible solutions to mitigate its effects.
For instance, try drinking your cup of joe earlier in the day rather than before bedtime.
You may also want to adjust the amount of sugar you add or switch up your type of coffee beans. This can help to reduce the effect of coffee on your body.
You can go for light-roast or medium-roast coffee beans. They are less effective in health.