It has always been hard for me to drop habits slowly. Part of the plan was to quit caffeine for those 2 weeks…I was intrigued since I had never thought to quit my beloved coffee before. And I did not even like that coffee. The delayed or lingering effect from caffeine is because of the "half-life" from caffeine. After oral administration of 10 mg caffeine base/kg to preterm neonates, the peak plasma level (C max) for caffeine ranged from 6 to 10 mg/L and the mean time to reach peak concentration (T max) ranged from 30 minutes to 2 hours. This is exactly what I experienced when I gave up caffeine around 12 years ago. One study found that regular caffeine consumption by nursing women had little or no consequences on sleep patterns of babies and children aged over 3 months. So, the caffeine from my lunchtime Coke at noon would still be at 50% strength at bedtime. Hi Nigel; Indeed the pressure is intense at first when you try to quit any addiction, but persistence eventually pulls through. Symptoms include: These symptoms may resolve when a person consumes caffeine again. It can also lead to trouble developing regular sleep patterns and other negative effects. I recently started to quit caffeine as I am a headache sufferer and think this will help. I am dealing with the headaches and fogginess still but I have no want for another cup anymore. Caffeine can greatly reduce the amount and quality of a person’s sleep. As the sun spread its warm rays through my office window, the full force of the thought struck me: “Is this what my life has become? With only 2 cups per day, both before 3 PM , still had these bad nights, restless and irritated to every sound my neighbors did. Caffeine and alcohol may affect the heart. I want to know for myself and not just read about it. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. After eating I was sluggish for an hour, followed by 3-4 hours of steadily increasing brain power and energy. The health benefits were so profound and the freedom so great that I decided to quit caffeine as well. It is recommended to wait at least 30 days post-op before introducing any kind of caffeine into your diet, which includes coffee. 2) You will have a decrease in stress and anxiety. It can be helpful to have the potential benefits in mind to keep up one’s motivation during the most difficult period of withdrawal. They last until the body fully metabolizes the drug. Furthermore, it takes your body 8 hours to metabolize caffeine. I start my day with meditation and a brisk walk and go to the gym regularly after work. Hi McKeever, I’m so happy you got over this addiction. Once, after not having it for a couple of weeks I experienced what it must be like to be tasered – after having two strong flat whites. Thanks for the article. That, meditation, and exercise, and my body is becoming more alive. You may say it is my imagination, but I also felt that my vision and sense of hearing were sharper. I am glad to read another article about the benefits of quiting coffee. You are exactly right when talking about sharper senses too-the caffeine for me brought on a flight or fight response that naturally dulled any bodily functions that were not strictly necessary. I am 76 and have always drunk coffee, not a lot every day but then I am very sensitive to it. Here are five benefits from quitting caffeine I have experienced: 1. Its nice to know how quitting caffeine can help us in our daily life. Just one teaspoon of powdered caffeine is equivalent to about 28 cups of coffee. People are usually warned not to consume caffeine while pregnant, as it can pose risks to the mother and child. Caffeine is a common choice for burning the midnight oil because it boosts alertness. Caffeine-free, I remained asleep for more of the night and awoke in the morning feeling well-rested. Hey Mage; There is no set time limit. Caffeine's biological half-life – the time required for the body to eliminate one-half of a dose – varies widely among individuals according to factors such as pregnancy, other drugs, liver enzyme function level (needed for caffeine metabolism) and age. I quit nicotine not so long back though, and for me that was a major milestone. Even people who have no caffeine after twelve noon report better quality of sleep after quitting caffeine. Glad you managed to do it! … What a great post. But since I couldn;t deny the negative effects it was having on me, I was willing to see how I would feel without it. It all makes sense. Do you have any tips for making the transition? A July 2020 review article in The New England Journal of Medicine notes that "caffeine absorption is nearly complete within 45 minutes after ingestion, with caffeine blood levels peaking after 15 minutes to 2 hours." Welcome to the Caffeine WordPress Theme! Most people consume caffeine from drinks. It has been two years now since i quit having caffine/Coffee and it was easy for me so far.Apart from avoiding the caffeine there is the hidden benefit of not consuming a spoonful of white sugar,which is as evil as caffeine. For example, after giving up caffeine and getting through withdrawals: 1) You will have consistent energy levels through the day. 3) You will wake up easier and more refreshed. WordPress Home – You probably already have this. This is something that I have tried numerous times, each unsuccessful. Great article! It’s a tough one to give up. Caffeine is a drug and not being dependent on it carries many benefits. People who are pregnant or have difficulty sleeping should be careful about timing their caffeine intake and may want to avoid it altogether. Once I arrived on the other side of that struggle, I began to notice profound benefits as a result of being caffeine-free, some that I fully anticipated and hoped for, and a few that far exceeded my expectations. The duration of the drug’s effects depend upon the dosage and on personal factors, including age, body weight, and how sensitive a person is to caffeine. Yes, hardest part is the first 2 weeks cause it will always (during that time) feel better to go back to coffee than to stay off it; BUT, if you can get through that then focus on the benefits you are feeling and add something new into your life that gives you joy. For years I started every day with a five dollar latte. Caffeine can also be found in foods, such as: Caffeine is also a common ingredient in weight loss pills and over-the-counter headache medicines, including Excedrin. Develop a regular sleep schedule by going to bed and waking up at around the same times each day. I bought a bike and did 30 minutes of riding after work instead of getting coffee. I recall also those countless hours spent in airports drinking coffee, however still feeling even more exhausted. People who stop consuming caffeine often complain of withdrawal. No more, I am tired of all that process. The overall effects of caffeine can last throughout the day. I am on day five of no caffeine and am in a huge fog and very weary. Besides that, I found an article that stated that caffeine can lead to poor concentration, anxiety, increased stress levels, irritability, sleeplessness, rapid heart rate, and stomach ache. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. In healthy adults, caffeine's half-life is between 3 and 7 hours. I am really excited to see what the future holds once I get past the withdrawls. The effects of caffeine typically last for a few hours, unless someone has consumed a high amount or is especially sensitive to the drug. This can help the body to regulate itself, and reduce the need for stimulants like caffeine. I noticed within a day or two how much calmer I have been and I too have noticed a difference in the way I see the world and handle situations. keep up the good work. Caffeine Demo Page – Check out an unmodified demo of the current version of Caffeine. Dr. Schilling writes: This moment sparked a journey to kick my coffee habit. i’ve only just read this, Oct ’20, but it gives me hope, that a spiritually minded person can have this dependency on coffee too. Levels of caffeine peak in the blood within about 15–45 minutes of consumption. We get used to the chemical high and forget about the natural high that exists in each of us. I think because caffeine is legal and in vogue people do not realise how beneficial it would be to give up. Nope: While caffeine can raise blood sugar slightly in people with type 2 diabetes, it doesn't have this effect on healthy adults. If they do, they may be triggers for A-fib. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. That’s caffeine I believe. Five days ago I severed the remaining cord of drinking tea. The high point of my afternoon is a caffeine fix?”. I always believed that caffeine no longer affected my sleep, and even boasted that I could consume coffee late at night and go to bed at the usual time, but once I quit it became clear that these were the delusions of an addict. Until I stopped drinking coffee, I had no idea how often I was pushing through the needs of my body without paying them any attention. I, former happy and willing addict, am living proof. Your email address will not be published. However, in terms of the shelf life of coffee, how long coffee lasts, and if coffee expires - it does not matter whether it has caffeine or is decaffeinated. I like this calmer person I have become. Without the crutch of caffeine, I was forced to pay more attention to what my body needed – and, it turned out, that sleep, exercise, food, water, and meditation satisfied most of the needs that coffee was merely glossing over. Tired of visiting the dentist and the pain I have throughout the process, I decided to quit the major culpit. These symptoms tend to go away as the caffeine starts to break down. Thanks for your comments. Required fields are marked *, Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. If a person is determined to stop, withdrawal symptoms often pass within a few days. I am the same way. The amount of caffeine in products like coffee and tea varies, but the American Academy of Sleep Medicine has listed the following estimates: Drugs that contain caffeine will display exact amounts on their labels. Thanks for this account of your experience. Caffeine is a stimulant that works to improve alertness, wakefulness, and mood. People who regularly consume caffeine may experience withdrawal … People will quickly realize when they have had too much caffeine. Better Mood I’ve also rebooted my yoga practice, and find that breathing exercises and a few yoga poses can be really helpful if I’m feeling sleepy or unfocused during my day. Not to mention I started to experience lots of restless nights and some stomach problems. It is even hard to find that good coffee and it is expensive like hell. Another benefit to quitting caffeine tho, is that is helps those who struggle with adrenal fatigue issues. As I have slowed down and begun to truly pay attention to how I’m feeling, I have received an unexpected gift: the full, unadulterated freedom of being alive. Like other drugs, it is possible to become dependent on caffeine, and going without it can lead to symptoms of withdrawal. The amounts of caffeine in different drinks can vary a lot, but it is generally. This duration depends on several factors. However, for someone who is very sensitive to caffeine, effects may persist for hours or until the next day. Drinking coffee immediately after surgery is not recommended since the caffeine (which is a stimulant) can cause lower nutrient absorption, which is … About 6 weeks ago I went down to tea and experienced a lot of benefits in that transition. Thanks Shasi! While others need coffee in order to feel peppy, even a few sips of … What a great testimonial to getting back to “original body.” We don’t realize how strong the drugs are and what an effect they have. Started to notice how my energy revolves around food like clockwork (this was not the case with excessive caffeine). Some of us are more sensitive to this drug than others, like anything, you need to listen to your body and moderate. Small amounts of caffeine can be transferred through breast milk, so anyone who is nursing should limit their caffeine intake before feedings. I love being free from addictions and like you said letting my body be tired if it needs rest. Anyone who regularly has trouble sleeping or waking up should discuss underlying sleep disorders with a doctor. When challenges arise, as they inevitably do, I am able to remain calm and address them without succumbing to the stress. Shutterstock/Jacob Lund. Is it safe to…, Who might once have thought that chocolate could be so much more than a delicious but ultimately naughty treat? Each person will feel the effects differently, and some may last longer than others. 5. Aside from the three weeks of fatigue during the withdrawal process, I can't think of any facet of my life that did not noticeably improve. I haven’t had a headache yet, probably due to merging to tea first and essentially cutting the caffeine intake in half. It’s a very powerful drug and should be treated with respect. What benefits from quitting caffeine have you experienced? Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI, chocolate and products containing it, such as hot cocoa. However, large amounts of caffeine can make babies fussy and irritable. I want to be free of it and experience that freedom – this gives me hope. It’s so wierd, but when I started work 14 years ago, I saw a guy drink loads, and I copied him. Here are five benefits from quitting caffeine I have experienced: I always believed that caffeine no longer affected my sleep, and even boasted that I could consume coffee late at night and go to bed at the usual time, but once I quit it became clear that these were the delusions of an addict. Since people with caffeine sensitivity metabolize caffeine more slowly, their symptoms may last for several hours. It may be a good idea to explore natural ways to increase energy levels. For many years, instead of being powered by the energy of the rising sun and excitement for the day ahead, I relied on a pot of coffee to launch me into my morning and to propel me through the many energy dips I experienced every day. My main question is about tea. find cold turkey works better. Caffeine can be a helpful stimulant, but excessive consumption can mask underlying sleep disorders. Thanks for the encouragement…naps have taken over the roll of the afternoon expresso and deep sleep has returned into my life! I think people with addictive personalities (whatever that means?) Indeed, it has helped a lot. The drug can linger in the body and may have subtle consequences, even after the noticeable effects have worn off. Caffeine is a familiar drug that stimulates the nervous system. Thank you. Caffeine has a half-life of about 5 hours. If you've ever gone one too many hours without a caffeine fix, … Dr. Ray Schilling says the elimination of caffeine from the body takes about 28.5 hours. The plusses!-Waking up with energy, not feeling stressed all the time- the ‘busy’ that everyone talks about?! All rights reserved. Better Sleep. While it is generally considered safe to consume caffeine while breast-feeding, it may be a good idea to cut off consumption 1–2 hours before a feed. After starting my PhD I introduced a bunch of changes to my life and built several habits. When searching for articles about coffee, there are plenty about the benefits of a cup of coffee rather than quiting. Instead of drinking water when I was thirsty, I was subjecting myself to the diuretic effects of caffeine along with my fluid intake. And as a bonus, when I truly listen to what my body needs, I stay satisfied for longer and feel healthier and happier. Initial suffering may be present, but the rewards are good later. Someone who consumes 40 milligrams (mg) of caffeine will have 20 mg remaining in their system after 5 hours. I’ve never looked back and the few times I’ve had a tiny bit of caffeine in a drink or dessert I can really feel the effects immediately and the next day- almost like a hangover. Complete elimination occurs after five half-lives. I haven’t seen any health benefits so far,but i love saying no to the free cup of coffee in the office. Most babies older than 3 months can tolerate these relatively small amounts. Thanks for your encouragement…I think the next challenge is dealing with sugar! Rather than quitting abruptly, it may be better to gradually reduce caffeine intake until it can be eliminated without symptoms. Dr. Schilling says there is also a biological half-life of caffeine that lasts much longer than the process of eliminating caffeine’s physical presence in the body. I will keep my sights on the prize of making it past a couple weeks. Your email address will not be published. Maybe offices will start having a fresh squeezed juice area instead of caffeine stations! Congratulations on the two years! Hi! I was shocked to discover that caffeine was creating a barrier between myself and the ability to be present in the moment. I had to make the commitment to myself to quit for 25 years! Caffeine is usually found in beverages, including: Even decaffeinated coffee contains some caffeine, and people who are very sensitive to caffeine should avoid it. I have another article on what I went through: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/adventures-with-the-dark-lord-how-i-did-battle-with_us_57e41a1fe4b05d3737be570f. And if it is a choice between average sleep (if you’re lucky;-) and a cuppa, versus no coffee and deeper skeep, I know which one I would go for. I quit nicotine about four months ago. When it enters the body, caffeine raises the heart rate and blood pressure, increasing energy levels and improving the mood. Symptoms can include…, © 2004-2021 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK, a Red Ventures Company. A doctor can provide specific recommendations, but there should generally be a 1–2-hour gap between caffeine consumption and nursing. There was a fine line that I walked with my caffeine routine. So if you drink a latte or a caffeinated soda at 3 p.m., half the caffeine from that beverage is still circulating in your body at bedtime. 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