8 Signs You've Had Too Much Caffeine

In moderation, caffeine can be a fantastic pick-me-up. It gives you the extra jolt to power through a sluggish afternoon or cram for that final exam. But like many things in life, too much can bring trouble. Here are eight signs you may have overindulged in the world's favorite stimulant.

 

1. Jitters and Restlessness

Caffeine is a stimulant that increases alertness. However, when you have too much, you may feel jittery or restless. These symptoms can range from a simple twitch in the leg to feeling like you can't sit still or are vibrating from the inside out.

 

2. Rapid Heartbeat

Excessive caffeine can stimulate your heart, causing it to beat faster than usual. In some cases, this may feel like your heart is racing or pounding in your chest, a sensation known as palpitations.

 

3. Insomnia

Caffeine can make it hard to fall asleep or stay asleep, leading to insomnia. This stimulant can stay in your system for up to 10 hours, so even an afternoon coffee break can interfere with your nightly rest. 

 

4. Digestive Problems

Too much caffeine can lead to stomach upset or make existing gastrointestinal issues worse. This is because caffeine stimulates the production of stomach acid and relaxes the muscles that keep stomach acid contained.

 

5. Fatigue

This may seem counterintuitive since caffeine is known for providing an energy boost. However, as the caffeine wears off, a 'crash' often follows leading to feelings of extreme fatigue.

 

6. Headaches

While moderate caffeine intake can help ward off a headache, too much can actually cause them. This is due to the effect caffeine has on blood flow in the brain.

7. Psychological Symptoms

In excess, caffeine can lead to feelings of anxiety, irritability, and nervousness. This can lead to a vicious cycle as anxiety can often interfere with sleep, and sleep deprivation can, in turn, exacerbate feelings of anxiety.

8. Dependence

Although not as severe as many drug dependencies, caffeine dependence can still lead to withdrawal symptoms like headache, fatigue, and irritability when you try to cut back.

Everyone’s sensitivity to caffeine is different, and what may be okay for one person could be an excessive amount for another. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it may be time to consider cutting back on your caffeine consumption. But this doesn’t mean you’ll have to give up coffee all together!

At Nolo, we’re making it possible to curate your ideal caffeine routine. Between our low-caf and decaf blends, you’ll be able to create your perfect cup (or two, or three) of coffee at any time of day. Try it today for 10% off your first order