These days, students are busier than ever with extracurricular activities, work, and personal business they need to attend to. To keep up, many students have turned to caffeine for extra energy to stay up at night or remain awake during class. Drinks like Starbucks, Monster, Red Bull, and Celsius have become the typical go-to brands students have resorted to now.

Unfortunately, a growing number of students report that they have turned to caffeine as a necessary crutch to manage homework loads they have to complete late at night in order to maintain their grades. Through classmate recommendations, social media, and the sight of others consuming caffeine, it has become normalized to be drinking unhealthy amounts of caffeine.

At Granada high school, it is common to see students drinking these high caffeine drinks to get through the day. An alarming amount of students typically consume one to two drinks of caffeine, which is already more than the safe recommended amount of caffeine. The ratio of students who drink caffeine to those who don’t is roughly 9:1.

The American Academy of Pediatrics states that teens ages 12 to 18 should have no more than 100 mg of caffeine a day. Many energy drinks have 100 to 200 mg in just one serving, which is already an alarming amount.

While energy drinks offer students a temporary boost in energy and motivation to complete their work, the long term consequences outweigh the short term benefits in the end. The National Library of Medicine Archives states that “concerns include cardiovascular problems, nervous system disorders, and the potential for addiction.” (Maria Luz Fernandez 1). These risks and many more highlight the harmful effects of relying on caffeine as a boost instead of resting and giving the body proper rest as it needs.

There are several healthier alternatives to energy drinks that can help students stay alert and focused in class. Reducing caffeine intake not only decreases dependency but can also lead to lower anxiety levels, improved sleep quality, fewer headaches, and much more.

One effective strategy is taking a well-timed nap. A short nap of 15 to 30 minutes can significantly boost energy, reduce drowsiness, and enhance cognitive function. The circadian rhythm is a natural process that regulates the body’s sleep-wake cycle over a 24 hour period. This body process is majorly impacted by daily routines. Creating a regular sleep routine will majorly improve the quality of sleep.

Fatigue is often a subtle but common sign of dehydration that many students fail to notice. Instead of relying on caffeinated drinks, staying hydrated by drinking water throughout the day can make a big difference. Six to eight glasses of water a day is the recommended amount to drink.

Many students say they often skip breakfast or another meal during the day. But skipping meals can lead to low energy and make it harder to focus. Eating healthy meals helps keep blood sugar steady, which helps keep energy levels up throughout the day.

Caffeine is often seen as a quick fix for fatigue and burnout, but maintaining a healthy body is the most effective solution in the long run. Developing healthy habits is essential for lasting energy and well being.