Less caffeine can initially cause irritability and anxiety, but over time, some people may experience steadier energy and less anxiety, reports Real Simple.
Your body needs time to adjust to less caffeine
Reducing your caffeine intake can trigger withdrawal symptoms, which are typically strongest during the first one to two days. Mood changes may also become more noticeable during this period as your body responds to having less caffeine.
More anxiety can come before feeling calmer
Although consuming less caffeine may eventually reduce anxiety for some people, the initial experience can be different. Increased anxiety and irritability may occur during the first few days as signaling receptors and hormones in the brain adjust.
Tiredness can be part of the transition
Caffeine is commonly associated with increased energy and alertness. Cutting back can therefore initially lead to lethargy, while some people may also experience feelings of depression. These are among the mood related symptoms that can occur during caffeine withdrawal.
Also read: This change around the eyes may be linked to an increased risk of heart disease
Your caffeine habits can shape your reaction
Not everyone experiences withdrawal in the same way. How much caffeine you previously consumed, how quickly you reduce your intake, and your individual sensitivity can all influence how noticeable the symptoms are.
Your mood may settle within a few weeks
The initial effects do not necessarily last. According to registered dietitian Lyndsay Hall, withdrawal related mood changes will generally improve or disappear within one to two weeks after caffeine is eliminated.
Your energy may become more consistent
Once your body has adjusted, you may notice steadier energy throughout the day. Without caffeine, you no longer experience the same temporary caffeine stimulated increases in energy.
Better sleep may make you more alert
Caffeine can interfere with sleep and cause temporary insomnia in some people. Reducing your intake may improve sleep habits and make it easier to fall asleep. These changes can contribute to greater alertness and productivity during the day.
Also read: Just 3 minutes of sprinting may trigger changes that 90 minutes of cardio cannot
Anxiety may be linked to how the brain responds
Caffeine temporarily blocks certain receptors in the brain. This causes the release of norepinephrine, which triggers the central nervous system’s fight or flight response. This is one reason caffeine can increase anxiety for many people.
Some people may notice a bigger difference
According to Hall, people with higher levels of anxiety may be among those most likely to notice an improvement in mood after reducing caffeine. However, individual sensitivity plays an important role in how caffeine affects each person.
Caffeine does not affect everyone’s mood the same way
Drinking less caffeine does not automatically mean you will feel better. A moderate amount can improve mood for some people while increasing anxiety in others. Some may notice little or no change in their mood either way.
Cutting back gradually may be easier
You do not necessarily have to eliminate caffeine all at once. Reducing portion sizes, mixing regular coffee with decaf, or removing one caffeinated drink at a time can give your body more time to adjust.
You may not need to quit immediately
During the transition, consuming 50 to 100 milligrams of caffeine per day may help ease the cessation period and prevent more intense withdrawal symptoms, according to Hall. Ultimately, caffeine’s effects depend on both the amount consumed and individual sensitivity.
Also read: Mounjaro or Ozempic: One may help you lose nearly 50% more weight
This article is made and published by Mie Hermansen, who may have used AI in the preparation.