Caffeine And Energy Drinks: A

Medical Student's Poison

Introduction

Over time different methods have been adopted by students all over the world to keep
awake to study hard and pass their exams. This is because the only time you have to
read for a very long period is only during the night and if you don't read for a long
period you are bound to fail in Nigerian schools. One such is placing your feet in the
water while you read at night to keep the sleep away. As time went by new methods
were now adopted that were less stressful but gave better results. The use of caffeine,
energy drinks or drinks having caffeine in them were now used by students. This
product takes away the sleep from the eyes and keeps the student active to read for a
very long period. While these beverages promise a quick boost of energy and enhanced
cognitive function, there is growing concern within the medical community about their
potential adverse effects, particularly on medical students who are already under
immense academic and professional pressure. This essay explores the relationship
between caffeine, and energy drinks, and the potential hazards they pose to medical
students' health and well-being.

The Appeal of Energy Drink

An energy drink is a type of drink containing stimulant compounds, usually caffeine,

along with other stimulating ingredients like guarana, taurine, and ginseng, which is
marketed as providing mental and physical stimulation (marketed as "energy", but
distinct from food energy). Below is a link that explains more about Energy Drinks
better.

Energy drinks have found their way into the daily routines of many, with flashy
packaging and enticing marketing strategies targeting the youth demographic. The
high demand for energy drinks lies in the promise of heightened alertness, increased
focus, and improved physical performance – qualities that are particularly appealing to
medical students facing rigorous schedules and demanding coursework. To beat the
stress and live up to the expectation and pressure placed on medical students in
Nigerian institutes, they have placed their source of immediate energy on energy
drinks thereby making it their poison.

That is why if you ask any medical student in a Nigerian institute, " What is your
poison? " The answer is always "Energy drink".

Caffeine and Its Effect

Caffeine is a natural stimulant found in coffee, tea, and other various sources, which
means it increases activity in your brain and nervous system. It also increases the
circulation of chemicals such as cortisol and adrenaline in the body. It functions by
blocking adenosine receptors, which are responsible for promoting relaxation and
sleepiness. This leads to increased neural activity and the release of dopamine and
norepinephrine, resulting in heightened alertness and a sense of wakefulness.

In small doses, caffeine can make you feel refreshed and focused. In large doses,
caffeine can make you feel anxious and have difficulty sleeping.

Like many other drugs, it’s possible to develop a tolerance to caffeine, which means
you need bigger and bigger doses to achieve the same effect. Due to the regular
consumption of caffeine by medical students in particular, certainly, they would no
longer need a little dose of caffeine to stay awake but rather, they would need it in
large doses. This entails that medical students are prone to a range of adverse effects
such as:

1. The impact on sleep pattern:

One of the most significant concerns associated with the consumption of

caffeine and energy drinks is their impact on sleep patterns. Medical students
already face sleep deprivation due to demanding schedules and the need to
study for exams. The consumption of high amounts of caffeine, especially in the
 latter part of the day, can disrupt circadian rhythms and delay the onset of
sleep. This results in decreased sleep duration and quality, which can further
exacerbate the already existing sleep deprivation. Chronic sleep deficiency has
been linked to a plethora of health issues, including impaired cognitive function,
mood disturbances, and a weakened immune system.

2. Cardiovascular Health:

Energy drinks, often combined with caffeine, are also associated with potential
cardiovascular risks. The high caffeine content can lead to increased heart rate
and blood pressure, which may be particularly concerning for individuals with
pre-existing cardiovascular conditions. There have been reported cases of heart
palpitations, arrhythmias, and even heart attacks linked to excessive energy
drink consumption. Medical students, who are already subjected to high levels of
stress, may be at an elevated risk for experiencing these adverse cardiovascular
events.

3. Mental Health Implications:

The pressure of medical school can take a toll on students' mental health, and the
consumption of caffeine and energy drinks might compound this issue. Excessive
caffeine intake can lead to anxiety, restlessness, and even panic attacks. Moreover, the
caffeine-induced "crash" that follows the initial energy boost can exacerbate feelings of
fatigue and emotional instability. Medical students, who are already vulnerable to stress
and burnout, could find themselves in a vicious cycle of using caffeine to cope with the
demands of their studies while inadvertently worsening their mental well-being.

4. Nutritional Concerns:

Energy drinks are often loaded with added sugars and calories, contributing to an
unhealthy diet. The regular consumption of these beverages can lead to weight gain,
dental problems, and an increased risk of metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes.
Medical students, who are expected to lead by example in promoting healthy lifestyles,
might paradoxically find themselves falling into unhealthy dietary habits due to the allure
of energy drinks.
Conclusion

While the promise of increased energy and alertness may be appealing to medical students, the
potential hazards of caffeine and energy drinks cannot be ignored. These beverages, despite
their temporary benefits, can disrupt sleep patterns, pose cardiovascular risks, impact mental
health, and contribute to unhealthy dietary choices. As future healthcare professionals, medical
students should prioritize their well-being and consider alternative strategies for managing their
demanding schedules and academic pressures. A holistic approach that focuses on adequate
sleep, regular exercise, and a balanced diet will ultimately contribute to their success in both
their academic pursuits and their future medical careers. Medical students must recognize the
potential dangers of excessive caffeine consumption and make informed choices for the sake of
their health and future patient care.

Be wise. Avoid regular use of caffeine. Stay safe and stay healthy.

Medical students, what is your poison?!!!!!!!!!!

Cites And References

Definition of Energy drinks - Wikipedia

Caffeine and its effect -

https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/caffeine#:~:text=Caffeine%20is%
20a%20stimulant%2C%20which,you%20feel%20refreshed%20and%20focused