Caffeine acts as both ally and foe

It’s no secret that college students devour different forms of caffeine to get through their… It’s no secret that college students devour different forms of caffeine to get through their daily activities.

Forty-three percent of Americans nationwide are “very likely” to consume caffeine to win the daytime-sleepiness battle, according to the 2001 Sleep in American poll mentioned on the National Sleep Foundation Web site.

And caffeine’s not hard to come by, considering it’s found in coffee, tea, cocoa, chocolate, some soft drinks and some drugs.

The Web site also said that caffeine makes people feel more awake because it blocks sleep-inducing chemicals in the brain, causing a boost in adrenaline production.

And while caffeine has no nutritional value, it is safe to consume in moderation.

“Caffeine’s a stimulant,” said Karen Gannon, manager of the Sleep Disorders Center at St. Clair Hospital. “And if you don’t get enough sleep you’re going to need something to try to help keep you awake.”

The NSF Web site said that a moderate amount of caffeine — about three 8-ounce cups of coffee per day — has no known health risks.

However, the symptoms caused by caffeine intake include increased alertness, reduced fine motor coordination, insomnia, headaches, nervousness and dizziness.

Rapid heartbeat, anxiety and irritability are also known to result from the use of caffeine, according to the Web site.

“Generally [caffeine] is not good for you because it does increase your heart rate, oftentimes 10 to 15 beats per minute which, over the life of your heart, just makes you work harder,” said Dan Miller, respiratory supervisor at Somerset Community Hospital.

Caffeine can result in a stimulating effect as quick as 15 minutes after consumption, while it can take up to six hours for the body to eliminate just 50 percent of the caffeine.