MORE THAN JUST JITTERS
By Megan O'Connor
Finals begin March 19, which for many students also means beginning a week-long binge on coffee, soda, energy drinks and even pills, increasing caffeine intake to stay alert. Experts say, however, that students' caffeine habits can be a health risk.
"I used to drink coffee all the time, but I had to stop because it was literally making me sick," junior Liz Traube said.
Traube is not alone. According to Pat McBride, physician's health assistant at Cowell Student Health Center, three major problems students have due to caffeine usage are anxiety, insomnia and panic.
"The problem is everyone reacts differently to caffeine, so it is hard to say how it will affect one person," said McBride.
Since caffeine is a stimulant, excessive use can cause a faster heartbeat, known as tachycardia, irregular heartbeats, high blood pressure and a sensation of irritability and anxiety, in addition to the wired feeling and sleeplessness typically associated with caffeine consumption.
"I can't go to bed for like 12 hours after drinking a Red Bull," senior Jennifer Euler said.
Caffeine stimulates the brain and metabolism, which is the reason it keeps you up at night feeling more alert, said Dr. Robert Szarnicki, chairman of cardiovascular and thoracic surgery at California Pacific Medical Center.
If a student consumes too much caffeine, it can result in feeling jittery, having shaky limbs, feeling anxious -- which can lead to panic attacks for some people -- and sometimes even heart palpitations, according to McBride.
Caffeine can also increase stomach acid, which can cause stomach pain and heartburn.
Senior Erin Kunse admits to drinking caffeine, despite having an increased heartbeat after consumption, while senior Jennifer Dauzat drinks coffee in spite of acid reflux disease. "I only drink one coffee a day," Dauzat said. "I can't handle more than that."
In addition, students who drink caffeine too late in the day can have trouble sleeping, which can lead to insomnia. Substituting caffeine for sleep can show a problem with a person's sleep patterns, according to McBride.
"I drink caffeine to keep me going," said senior Christine Johnson. Due to constant consumption of caffeine, Johnson said she could drink up to two coffee drinks at night and still be able to fall asleep just fine.
People often also consume caffeine in conjunction with alcohol.
"When people drink caffeine while they drink alcohol, it gives them the illusion that they are more alert, but studies show that the alcohol is still affecting them the same," said Mcbride.
If students do decide to consume caffeine, McBride suggests students drink coffee or soda and stay away from energy drinks.
Some trendy energy drinks include "Monster," which has 140 mg of caffeine in a 16 oz. can; 8 oz. "Red Bull," with 116 mg; and "Cocaine," which has 280 mg of caffeine in an 8 oz. can, almost three times the amount in an 8 oz. cup of coffee, which has 95 mg of caffeine.
It is generally recommended that people do not drink more than two or three cups of coffee per day, according to Szarnicki.
"As with anything you put into your body, moderation is recommended, " Szarnicki said.
Contact Megan O'Connor at (408) 554-4546 or moconnor@scu.edu.
Correction: The story incorrectly stated the date that finals week started during winter quarter. It was Mar. 19, 2007.