When you need an energy boost

Posted By Maryann Porosky On AUGUST 28,2018

When caregiver fatigue strikes, many of us reach for caffeine. Whether it's coffee, cola, chocolate, or an "energy shot" drink, the effects are immediate. Like a reliable friend, caffeine seems to help us keep going.

Pros and cons
Studies have shown many benefits from caffeine. It can enhance performance. It increases productivity and elevates mood. It may even reduce or delay Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.

On the other hand, caffeine can be hard on the heart. It's like giving your heart a stress test on a regular basis. It's known to cause a rapid or irregular heartbeat and can contribute to high blood pressure. Insomnia and anxiety are also common side effects.

Too much of a good thing?
High-caffeine energy shot drinks are increasing in popularity, especially among older adults. Take caution. In a four-year time span, the number of adults going to the ER because of energy drink intake doubled. Among adults age 40 and older, the rate quadrupled! Although the numbers are small, clearly there is a trend. Symptoms ranged from palpitations and anxiety to actual heart attacks.

The Food and Drug Administration says that 400 mg of caffeine per day is likely safe. A 5 oz. cup of caffeinated coffee has about 100 mg. A can of cola about 50 mg. Energy drinks, by contrast, vary dramatically, having from 200 to 500 mg of caffeine.

If you want to quit
Caffeine can be addictive. Tapering off, or down, is easier than going cold turkey. One approach is to make your coffee or tea half decaf. Or switch to smaller servings or fewer drinks per day.

Another option is to respect your fatigue. Try to get enough sleep at night. And if life allows, consider a short nap midday. Listening to your body may be a wiser approach than reaching for a cup of joe or a high-impact energy shot.

Struggling to juggle it all?
If you are "self-medicating" with caffeine, perhaps it's time to get some caregiving help. Too often, we at Caring Choices see family members stealing from their sleep to find those extra hours needed in the day. Burning the candle at both ends is not a sustainable long-term strategy. At the same time, as the northern New Jersey expert in family caregiving, we understand! It's hard to get it all done. Give us a call at 973-627-4087. We can help share the load so you can live a healthier rhythm and drink that cup of coffee only because you want to, not because you need it.