Why do I feel extremely sleepy after drinking coffee?
Jun 05, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Huang Shichang
Introduction
In general, feeling unusually sleepy after drinking coffee may be caused by factors such as individual tolerance, dehydration, lack of B vitamins, blood sugar fluctuations, or cerebral hypoxia. This condition can be managed through general treatments or medication. It is also important to maintain healthy lifestyle habits, avoid excessive fatigue and staying up late, and practice going to bed early and waking up early to ensure the body gets sufficient rest.
Generally, feeling unusually drowsy after drinking coffee may be caused by factors such as caffeine tolerance, dehydration, deficiency of B vitamins, blood sugar fluctuations, or cerebral hypoxia. This condition can be managed through general lifestyle adjustments or medication. Specific causes are as follows:
1. Caffeine Tolerance
Regular and excessive coffee consumption may lead to the body developing a tolerance to caffeine, reducing its stimulating effects and resulting in drowsiness. This is usually normal, and symptoms can be managed by reducing coffee intake.
2. Dehydration
Coffee acts as a diuretic, which may lead to dehydration, especially when large amounts of caffeine are consumed. Dehydration reduces overall body fluid levels, potentially causing fatigue and sleepiness. It is important to maintain adequate hydration by drinking sufficient water.
3. B Vitamin Deficiency
Excessive coffee consumption accelerates metabolism and increases the body's consumption of B vitamins, potentially leading to deficiency. Since B vitamins play a key role in nerve and muscle coordination, their deficiency may cause generalized weakness after drinking coffee. Adequate intake of B vitamins can be achieved by consuming whole grains such as corn, buckwheat, and oats in daily diet.
4. Blood Sugar Fluctuations
Caffeine can affect blood glucose levels, causing fluctuations. In some cases, caffeine intake may initially raise blood sugar, followed by a rapid drop, which can lead to fatigue and drowsiness. This is more likely to occur when coffee is consumed on an empty stomach. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid drinking large amounts of coffee without food.
5. Cerebral Hypoxia
When the brain is overused or the body is physically exhausted, drinking coffee may exacerbate cerebral hypoxia, leading to drowsiness. In such cases, medications such as Betahistine Hydrochloride Tablets, Naoluotong Capsules, or Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Tablets may be used under medical supervision.
In daily life, it is also important to maintain healthy作息 habits, avoid overexertion and staying up late, and practice regular sleep patterns—going to bed early and waking up early—to ensure the body receives sufficient rest.
