ALERTNESS
Is it true that the caffeine in coffee can help increase levels of alertness and attentiveness?
Yes. Many well-conducted studies demonstrate the beneficial effects of caffeine in coffee on alertness.
Can drinking coffee lead to better work performance?
Yes. As the caffeine in coffee helps enhance alertness and attentiveness, this can lead to better performance at work.
What about mood, I have read somewhere that caffeine improves mood, is this true?
Yes. Caffeine impacts positively on alertness and performance, and this in turn can help elevate overall mood.
Are there any times of day when coffee is more beneficial to alertness than at other times?
The mild stimulation from caffeine can help at any time of day. In particular, research has shown that caffeine is of notable benefit just after lunch when the body’s circadian rhythm is at a low, and also for people on night shift work.
Is it true that coffee can reduce road accidents?
It is well documented that a couple of cups of coffee and a short nap are the most effective method of alleviating driver fatigue. Many road accidents occur as a result of a driver falling asleep at the wheel so yes, coffee may play a role in reducing the number of sleep related road accidents. In the UK, the Department of Transport as part of their THINK campaign advise drivers to pull over, drink a couple of cups of strong coffee and take a 15 minute nap.
If caffeine is a stimulant, how will I have a short nap after drinking 2 cups of strong coffee?
The stimulant effects of caffeine take about 15 – 20 minutes before they are noticeable, so you have your nap and then wake feeling revived, as the caffeine will be working.
COFFEE/CAFFEINE AND SLEEP
Does drinking coffee before going to bed stop someone getting to sleep?
There are many external factors, including noise, temperature, and discomfort that may affect how long it takes someone to get to sleep. Many people consume caffeinated drinks during the evening and have no problems falling asleep. Some people find that the mild stimulation of caffeine consumed shortly before going to bed delays the time taken for them to fall asleep, anyone who is particularly sensitive to the stimulant effects of caffeine can simply switch to decaffeinated coffee during the evening.
Will caffeine affect the quality of sleep?
This can vary from person to person and it is therefore not appropriate to generalise. Those people who do find caffeinated coffee effects their sleep may prefer to switch to decaffeinated coffee in the afternoon/evening.
COFFEE/CAFFEINE AND ANXIETY
I have heard that caffeine, and therefore presumably coffee causes anxiety, is this true?
No. The only research papers that consistently suggest a link between coffee drinking and anxiety are those conduced on patients who have already been diagnosed with anxiety/panic disorders. For the general population caffeine does not cause anxiety.
Should the general population be concerned that caffeine may cause symptoms of anxiety?
No. It has been demonstrated that moderate caffeine consumption does not cause symptoms of anxiety in the general population.
BLOOD PRESSURE
Is coffee drinking considered to be an important risk factor for hypertension / raised blood pressure?
No. Coffee drinking is generally not considered to be an important/significant risk factor for hypertension.
Does coffee drinking raise blood pressure?
Yes, though at levels that are no greater than would be experienced during everyday activities - such as taking part in a conversation.
What does cause raised blood pressure?
The prevalence of hypertension / raised blood pressure is increasing in Western societies at the known risk factors included being overweight, physical inactivity, having a diet high in sodium and low in potassium.