Caffeine does not affect everyone in the same way. Some experience improved focus and calmness, while others feel restless and develop heart palpitations.
Differences in physiology and lifestyle may explain these variations.
People with low tolerance may react negatively even to small amounts. Lack of sleep or drinking coffee on an empty stomach can also worsen symptoms such as nervousness.
Coffee and stress
A large study from The Journal of Affective Disorders followed more than 461,000 individuals over a period of more than 13 years.
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During this time, new cases of stress- and mood-related disorders were recorded.
The researchers compared participants’ coffee consumption with their mental health.
However, they emphasize that the study cannot prove direct cause and effect, partly because coffee habits were measured only once.
Possible explanations
Overall, the study found that moderate coffee consumption, two to three cups per day, is associated with a lower risk of stress and mood problems.
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Both very low and very high consumption, on the other hand, were associated with a higher risk.
Coffee contains compounds that may affect the brain. Antioxidants can reduce inflammation, and caffeine may increase dopamine levels, which are associated with well-being, according to a study published in Translational Psychiatry.
At the same time, caffeine can reduce feelings of fatigue and enhance mental alertness. In some cases, this may lessen the experience of stress.
Sources: Health.com, The Journal of Affective Disorders, and Psychiatry Research.
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