Newspapers / Elon University Student Newspaper / Sept. 18, 1986, edition 1 / Page 8
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Page 8 The Pendulum Health IlMl Thursday, September 18,1 By Delia K. Cabe-GiU Duke University Medical Center It seems that from time im- l memorial, college students have j sworn caffeine, declaring they t depend on it to get through col lege. And, when they pull all- |nighters especially, many students Resort to large quantities of cof- ^fee, tea or colas to stay awake. “Caffeine makes students feel nore alert and awake,” said Dr. James D. Lane, a medical research assistant professor in Duke University Medical Center’s Department of Psychiatry. Because of its widespread presence in beverages, chocolate and medications, caffeine is con sidered to be the most commonly used drug. It enters the bloodstream within minutes of in gestion and, initially, its effects are beneficial. A person feels less drowsy and fatigued and is able to think clearly. Lane said. But, he said it can take four to six hours before half the amount is metabolized — caffeine’s half- life. In women who use oral con traceptives, the half-life increases to 10 hours and in smokers, decreases by and hour. “Because of its half-life, students who drink small amounts throughout the day reach a point when its effects are counter productive because the body has too much to handle,” Lane said. “It adds up, and the consequence is that the caffeine reduces your bility to function by making you oo anxious or restless.” Caffeine labeled addictivef Caffeine and Panic If you are already under pressure because of an upcotning deadline or exam, you may become more panicky because caffeine increases the release of the stress hormones, epinephrine and norepinephrine, in your system’ thus amplifying your stress, he explained. Situations that demand alert ness lead students to drink more coffee during the day. “It’s a vicious cycle. They stay up late studying, wake up groggy and drink coffee to get going,” Lane said. “Then, they try to get some sleep, but still have caffeine in their system. A student who is tossing and turning in bed may blame his insomnia on anxiety from schoolwork. It may be caf feine.” Other effects include stimula tion of the cardiovascular system, increased rate of metabolism and diuretic action. In his studies, Lane has seen that although caf feine is not necessarily detrimen tal to the body, excessive amounts could exacerbate stress-related diseases such as high blood pressure, hypertension or ulcers. Peq>le at resk for these diseases should avoid caffeine, he said. One-third of students drink one serving or less of a caflieinated beverage, and 13 percent drink more than five servings per day. Many of caffeine's ejects appear soon after one cup of coffee, and since the average adult drinks two cups of coffee a day, nearly all of us are usually under caffeine’s influence. Caffeine is not addictive. Lane said, and although some people seem to be able to handle great amounts, too much in anyone’s system can take a toll. Tests results of college students who drank one cup of coffee or more showed a tendency towards higher rates of anxiety and depression. Those who drank five cups or more also had lower grades. Side Effects Irritability, frequent mood changes, panic attacks and sleep ing problems are side effects that can be reversed. “But stopping suddenly means the onset of withdrawal — headaches, lethargy and being easily agitated - and a person will return to drinking cof fee to relieve those symptoms,” Lane said. “It is better to taper off your consumption and choose to drink consciously,” he said. “Many of us drink more caffeine than we realize.” Luxury Two-Bedroom Townhouses Bath-and-a-half, modern kitchen with disposal, washer/dryer connections. Air conditioning, carpeting, drapes, pool. Cable television available. Rents from $342 Model Open Monday-Friday 10-6; Saturday 10-5 321-C Atwood Drive 226-4202 In North Carolina, call toll-free 1-800-672-1678 Nationwide, call t( i|l-free 1-800-334-1656 Here are s(xne tips that Lane recommends for r^ucing your consun^on: .^Mix decaffeinated coffee with r^ular cdffee when brewing it. Gradually decrease the amount of regular coffee used. ►^Switch to a smaller cup. t^Brew smaller amounts. If you make a fiill pot, you’ll drink it because it’s there and not becatise you really need it. »^If you just want a hot beverage or a cold soda, choose from the wide selection of decaf feinated sodas, coffees or teas that are available. Avoid drinking coffee in the evening to prevent disruption of your sleep/wake cycle. By getting the proper amount of sleep, youH feel less tired the next d^, thus ^ reducing your need for that caf feine boost. It may take awhij(| before your cycle returns to{ normal. t^Read medication labels carefiilly. If you are taking a$piriii| or other medication before bed time, you may want to avoiil brands that indclude caffeine. Lane said there is no needig stop drinking caffeinated beverages completely, but thi benefits of reducing consumptioi may include improving academic performance or overall mood \bu don’t need to add to the stress you already feel from exams, papers and other pressures because of too much caffeine. RU You can find a wealth of information from the Federal Government at Depository Libraries. Contact your local library The Federal Depository library Program office of the Public Printer, Washington, DC 20401 The program is supported by The Advertisffg Council and s a puUc servee of the puWcation Eleonore’s Hair Design] COUPON •00 off Haircut $5,00 off Perms Tanning Bed 1 month $35 3 visits a week Open Mon.-Sat. 584-42U Located beside Town Hall ( A It im yoi pu
Elon University Student Newspaper
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Sept. 18, 1986, edition 1
8
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