By: Skye Taylor
As final exams creep among us, many college students turn to coffee and energy drinks to power through sleepless nights, but scientists say the caffeine fueling those study sessions can also disrupt sleep, increase anxiety and create dependence.
Caffeine is one of the most widely consumed stimulants in the world and has become deeply normalized in college culture.
Many students see caffeine as an everyday need to cope with demanding academic schedules.
Laura Juliano, professor and chair of psychology at American University, helps explain the science behind caffeine.
“Caffeine is a stimulant that affects the central nervous system by binding to specific brain receptors,” said Juliano, “It increases alertness, reduces fatigue, and can improve focus, but it also can disrupt sleep and cause jitteriness, anxiety and dependence.”
The compound works primarily by blocking adenosine, a brain chemical that promotes sleep and relaxation.
When adenosine receptors are blocked, the brain becomes more alert and less aware of fatigue. This effect can help students feel energized, especially during long study sessions.
However, the body can adapt to regular caffeine use over time.
Juliano said frequent caffeine consumption can lead to dependence as the brain adjusts to the stimulant.
“Over time, the brain adapts to regular use, so people need more caffeine to feel the same effects or feel poorly without it,” Juliano said.
Because many students are still developing lifestyle habits during college, they may be particularly vulnerable to forming long-term caffeine dependence.
“College is a time when people are forming new habits, and the brain is still very impressionable,” Juliano said. “Caffeine use often becomes tied to routines like studying, socializing and coping with stress and poor sleep. Over time, those patterns can become hard to break.”
The popularity of these drinks has been fueled in part by aggressive marketing toward young adults.
“Energy drinks are heavily marketed to young adults and often contain high caffeine levels plus added stimulants,” Juliano said. “Unlike soft drinks, which have regulatory limits on caffeine, energy drinks are less restricted. That makes it easier to consume large amounts quickly.”
Local coffee shops also see an increase in student caffeine consumption during demanding academic periods.
Nora Schroeder, a barista at Starbucks in Statesboro, said they experience a spike in student orders during midterms and finals.
“Students come in throughout the day, but during finals week it’s like never ending,” Schroeder said. “Some people will even order multiple drinks or choose stronger beverages like cold brew or espresso drinks.”
Schroeder said specialty drinks and energy-style beverages have become increasingly popular among college-aged customers.
“Many students look for drinks that have an extra boost,” Schroeder said. “Cold brew, espresso-based drinks and refreshers with caffeine are really popular choices.”
For some students, caffeine has become part of a daily routine tied to academic productivity.
Natalie Charton, a Georgia Southern nursing student, said caffeine helps her stay focused while balancing coursework and deadlines.
“I usually drink two coffees a day, and sometimes I’ll add a Celsius or an Alani if I really need to,” Charton said. “It helps me stay motivated and gives me that boost when I’m studying late or trying to finish something before a deadline.”
Caffeine can temporarily increase alertness, but experts warn that too much reliance on stimulants might lead to negative health effects.
Juliano said caffeine withdrawal can occur when someone who regularly consumes caffeine suddenly stops.
“Withdrawal symptoms can vary from mild to severe depending on how much caffeine a person typically consumes,” Juliano said. “Common symptoms include headaches, fatigue, sleepiness, irritability, difficulty concentrating and sometimes even flu-like symptoms.”
These symptoms can appear quickly.
“Withdrawal can start within a day of stopping caffeine and may last for a week or more,” Juliano said.
Caffeine addiction could include difficulty reducing intake, experiencing withdrawal symptoms or continuing to consume caffeine despite negative physical or mental effects.
“People often rely on caffeine for focus, reducing sleepiness and feeling more energetic,” Juliano said. “Once the body becomes physically dependent, the discomfort of withdrawal can make it difficult to quit.”
Experts say the biggest risk for students may be when caffeine begins replacing adequate sleep.
“Pay attention to sleep,” Juliano said. “If caffeine is replacing sleep, it’s likely doing more harm than good.”
Caffeine may also worsen anxiety symptoms for some individuals.
“It can increase anxiety or make anxiety symptoms worse,” Juliano said. “Students should also remember that caffeine is a drug and it can interact with medications or other substances.”
Despite these risks, normal caffeine intake can still be safe for most healthy adults.
Health experts generally recommend limiting caffeine intake to around 400 milligrams per day, which is about the amount found in four small cups of coffee.
Understanding caffeine’s effects may help students make better decisions during high-stress academic times.
Balancing caffeine intake with sleep, hydration and healthy study habits can reduce health risks.
For many students, no matter the risks, caffeine will remain a familiar friend during finals week.