Wednesday, November 4, 1998
Java jitters
Students realize that coffee isn"t the only way to get a kick as
more and more of them turn to caffeinated pills, water and even
gum
By H. Jayne Ahn
Daily Bruin Contributor
From Starbucks coffee to Jolt cola and Aqua Java bottled water,
caffeine is a popular choice of people who want to ward off
drowsiness and perk themselves up.
"I get a cup of coffee every morning because I like the taste of
it and it helps get me going," said Vindu Gude, a third-year
graduate student.
Over 75 percent of all undergraduates on this campus reported
regular consumption of caffeine in a 1995 health survey conducted
by the Student Health Service.
"I turn to coffee when I feel tired and need to stay awake,"
said Ivy Tso, a fourth-year economics student.
Caffeine, which naturally occurs in coffee beans, tea leaves,
kola nuts and cocoa beans, is a drug that mildly stimulates the
brain.
In addition, caffeine is added to some soft drinks and food
products including soft candy, pudding and baked goods because it
tends to enhance flavor.
Because the stimulant offsets drowsiness, gives a person a lift
and relievers pressure in blood vessels, it is included in many
over-the-counter medicines such as headache relievers and nasal
decongestants.
Many students find caffeine useful in keeping themselves more
alert and awake, especially in late-night study sessions during
exam times.
"Once, I took Vivarin pills, coffee and diet cokes while I was
pulling an all-nighter," said Dan Polumbo, a first-year law
student.
However, higher ingestion of caffeine sometimes causes jittery
nerves and anxiety that can adversely affect a student"s
performance.
"When I went to take my exam, I had shakes in my hands and had
to take more Vivarin just to calm myself down," Polumbo said.
"If a student is tired but kept awake by the chemical, it can
impair the student"s performance (on an exam)," said Dr. Nancy
Holt, a physician at the Student Health Center.
Students are much better off doing the regular studying and
getting the good sleep than staying up all night and drinking
multiple cups of coffee, she added.
Some students have reported stomach upsets and ulcers after
consuming caffeine and staying up late. Both caffeine and stress
can increase stomach acids and cause these problems.
In general, with quickening of overall body processes and
increased sensitivity to sensory stimuli, many people claim that
caffeine not only makes them feel more productive but does improve
their performance both in academic and social settings.
The recent surge of new products infused with caffeine attest to
the popularity of this age-old drug.
Caffeinated bottled water has been available as an alternative
to coffee since 1995.
Joe Water, the first of its kind, was invented by a former
college student who did not like the taste of coffee during late
night study sessions. Like the founder of Joe Water, a bulk of the
customers of caffeinated products are on college campuses across
the country.
Additionally, caffeine-laced gum is available as an alternative
option. One stick is normally equivalent to a cup of coffee. Some
of its target customers are athletes and drivers on the road.
Many soft drinks are also a significant source of caffeine.
In addition to cola drinks, caffeine has been added to other
beverages including citrus soda, dark beer and orange juice.
Although recent studies have shown that moderate consumption of
caffeine (200-400 milligrams or 2-4 cups of coffee) does not pose a
health risk for most adults, its usage can produce a number of
negative effects.
Caffeine can delay feelings of fatigue and cause a person to
feel more awake  it can also inhibit nighttime sleep.
Gude said she tries to limit her caffeine consumption to one cup
of coffee a day because she finds it difficult to fall asleep at
night if she drinks too much coffee during the day.
In addition, a person"s body often develops a tolerance for (and
even a dependence on) caffeine, accounting for its addictive
nature.
"I stopped drinking 3 cups of coffee daily when I found that,
other than making me nervous all the time, it wasn"t keeping my
body awake anymore," said Elizabeth Abdullah, a third-year
sociology student.
With regular ingestion, the body is not only able to tolerate
more of the drug with less of an effect on the central nervous
system, but the body also becomes accustomed to it and needs it to
be in its "normal" state.
In turn, the absence of the chemical in the body brings a series
of withdrawal symptoms, making it hard to abruptly stop consuming
it. Symptoms include headaches, mild depression, and
sluggishness.
"I cut down to 2 cups a day, but it only lasted about two
weeks," Polumbo said.
"I really need it to get me through the day," he added.
In conjunction with the physical dependence on caffeine,
caffeine consumption is a behavior pattern that some people enjoy
and to which they become accustomed.
"I am not really concerned about my caffeine consumption. I
worry about my other habits, such as smoking," Polumbo added.
A common myth about caffeine is that it sobers up an intoxicated
person. While it may make the person less drowsy, it does not
counteract any of alcohol"s other effects.
Many researchers agree that caffeine ingestion is not linked to
any serious health problems for most adults.
Nevertheless, with the drug"s numerous negative effects,
students should take caution when deciding to pull an
all-nighter.
"I"ve tried to wean myself off it. But I am one of those people
who need coffee," said Polumbo.
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