Sleep Problems Masked by Caffeine Consumption

Crave for caffeine may be sign of sleeping problems, according to researchers. Almost twelve million Americans suffer from obstructive sleep apnea and are not even aware of their problems.

Especially during holidays, people drink many cups of coffee or consume more energy drinks in order to have plenty of energy in order to attend parties and finish shopping in time, according to Dr. Joshua Septimus at the Methodist Hospital in Houston.

Caffeine is a stimulant that makes people feel alert and energetic, but affects the central nervous system. However, the effects of caffeine wear off and heavy doses of caffeine may cause headaches, sleeping difficulties, muscle tremors, and increased heart rate. The daily recommended dose of caffeine should not exceed two cups of regular coffee.

Most people tend to use caffeine in order to be more energetic, but they may get the same results from good night`s sleep, said Septimus. Many Americans suffer from obstructive sleep apnea and live with it instead of changing their sleep patterns, he added. This condition may lead to stroke, sleep deprivation, or sudden cardiac attack.

Sleep deprivation is connected to high blood pressure, memory loss, depression, or other health conditions if it is not treated. The problem is that most people do not realize the impact that the eight hours of sleep have on the body, said Dr. Septimus.

If you mask your bad sleeping habits with energy drinks or caffeine is not a solution. This will only provide short-term improvement, it will certainly not make you feel better on long-term or cure the underlying problem, said Dr. Septimus.