Caffeine, Chaos, and Me By: Anushka Bhat

 

Caffeine, Chaos, and Me”

By: Anushka Bhatt II Teen Caffeine Addiction & Sleep Health

Let me paint you a picture:
It’s 2:17 a.m.
I’ve had three iced coffees, a Red Bull, and half a panic attack.
My brain is sprinting; my body is collapsing.

Every teen I know worships caffeine. It’s our toxic little morning ritual. We sip it with pride like it's holy water from Dunkin’ or Starbucks.

But guess what I didn’t realize?
Caffeine stays in your system for 8+ hours. It messes with your REM sleep.
You’re not lazy—you’re exhausted.
And no, you’re not thriving—you’re surviving on liquid anxiety.

I’m not saying quit it cold turkey.
I’m saying: start noticing how your body feels without it.

Spoiler: It’s kind of nice.

Works Cited:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Caffeine and Sleep.” CDC, 2023, https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/about_sleep/how_much_sleep.html.
Urrila, A. S., et al. “Sleep Habits, Academic Performance, and Use of Energy Drinks and Other Substances among Adolescents.” Journal of Adolescence, vol. 68, 2018, pp. 12–21, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.adolescence.2018.06.008.
Mayo Clinic Staff. “Caffeine: How Much Is Too Much?” Mayo Clinic, 6 Apr. 2024, https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/caffeine/faq-20058459.