Why might I want to find alternatives to caffeine?

Caffeine is safe when consumed in moderation, but can cause unpleasant side effects or increase health risks for some people. Potential side effects include:

• anxiety
• increased blood pressure
• headaches
• stomach or digestive problems
• increased heart rate
• sweating
• increased urination
• problems falling or staying asleep

Depending on when you consume caffeine, it might be hard to fall asleep or get quality sleep. Even if you don’t want to give up caffeine completely, it’s best to limit consuming it no later than eight hours before bedtime. Some people are more sensitive to caffeine and will need to set different limits.

Women who are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding are advised to keep their caffeine consumption below the recommended daily maximum for adults. Because caffeine increases blood pressure and heart rate, people with cardiovascular issues may need to avoid it altogether.

It’s also possible to develop a dependence on caffeine, when you can’t function during the day without it. Even if you don’t give up caffeine completely, exploring other strategies to wake up and stay alert can help you decrease your intake over time.