😱 What happens to the brain after drinking an energy drink?
😱 What happens to the brain after drinking an energy drink? Energy drinks have long become a familiar part of student life: a can of such a beverage is almost a must‑have during exam periods, late‑night study sessions, and long shifts at part‑time jobs. People love them for the quick burst of energy and the ability to “stay alert” for hours on end — and that’s why they often forget that this effect comes at the cost of a serious strain on the body. We continue our series of publications aimed at reminding people about the harm these drinks can cause to their health. ❗ Today, we share the opinion of a neurologist. 🧠 Adelina Ivanovna Bogdanova, assistant at the Department of Normal Physiology, neurologist, and somnologist, explains what happens to the brain after consuming an energy drink: 🔹 Caffeine, the main stimulant in most energy drinks, interferes with the regulation of wakefulness and sleep. During wakefulness, the effects of adenosine — a compound involved in triggering the need for sleep — gradually build up in the brain. Caffeine blocks its receptors, which temporarily reduces the feeling of drowsiness. However, the brain’s need for rest remains unchanged. This stimulation can also affect subsequent sleep. Caffeine may make it harder to fall asleep, reduce total sleep duration, and decrease the amount of deep sleep. So a person might fall asleep but still wake up feeling unrefreshed. The intensity of these effects depends on the dose, the time of consumption, and individual sensitivity. Sleep is essential for memory consolidation. During sleep, the brain processes the information it has received and helps store it in long‑term memory. Sleep deprivation impairs attention, memory, and behavioural control systems. It becomes harder to absorb new material, keep track of sequences of actions, and notice one’s own mistakes. While caffeine can increase alertness, it does not eliminate these impairments. 🔹 Excessive stimulation may be accompanied by anxiety, inner tension, hand tremors, headaches, and palpitations. The total amount of caffeine matters — including that from coffee, tea, and sports supplements. Even if an energy drink contains no sugar, it still affects the nervous system due to the caffeine. 🔹 With regular consumption, the nervous system adapts to caffeine, and some of its effects become weaker. If a person suddenly stops consuming caffeine, they may experience drowsiness, fatigue, headaches, and difficulty concentrating. The next dose temporarily relieves these symptoms, thus reinforcing the habit of constant stimulation. ❗ Therefore, the feeling of alertness after an energy drink does not reflect how well the brain has recovered or how ready it is to learn effectively.