Why Do I Feel Tired After Coffee or Tea? Caffeine Sensitivity

Drinking coffee or tea may cause discomfort?

A few years ago, I used to drink coffee fairly regularly, but not in large amounts.
My body's reaction was similar to that of most people; it had a stimulating effect, and I didn't experience any particular discomfort.
However, I later started to notice that after drinking coffee, I would feel very sleepy but unable to fall asleep, leading to a feeling of dizziness and fatigue, which was quite uncomfortable.
As a result, I stopped drinking coffee.
At that time, I found that drinking tea did not produce similar effects, so I thought it wasn't an issue related to caffeine.
Recently, though, I've noticed that even a small amount of tea makes me feel very sleepy and unable to concentrate, although I don't have trouble sleeping.
I don't experience these issues with regular decaffeinated beverages.
I would like to understand why my body reacts this way to caffeine (or possibly other factors).
Could there be some metabolic abnormality? Thank you for your clarification, doctor.

Miss Lin, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/06/26

Dr. Liao Yaopan reply Family Medicine

Hello, both coffee and tea are stimulating beverages, and individual reactions to them may vary.
Based on your description, if you experience discomfort after consuming these drinks, it is advisable to avoid them as much as possible.
Regarding any other metabolic issues, it is recommended to seek a personal consultation with a metabolic specialist for evaluation.
Please note that online consultations are not equivalent to in-person visits and cannot provide diagnoses or treatment recommendations.
Changhua Hospital cares about your well-being.

Reply Date: 2018/06/26

More Info

Feeling tired after consuming coffee or tea can be perplexing, especially when these beverages are typically associated with increased alertness due to their caffeine content. Your experience of feeling drowsy or fatigued after caffeine consumption, despite having previously enjoyed its stimulating effects, may be attributed to several factors, including individual caffeine sensitivity, metabolic variations, and the body's response to caffeine over time.

Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant that temporarily wards off drowsiness and restores alertness. It works primarily by blocking the action of adenosine, a neurotransmitter that promotes sleep and relaxation. When adenosine is blocked, the levels of other neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and norepinephrine, increase, leading to heightened alertness and energy. However, the effects of caffeine can vary significantly from person to person due to genetic differences in metabolism and sensitivity to caffeine.

1. Caffeine Sensitivity: Some individuals are more sensitive to caffeine than others. This sensitivity can be influenced by genetic factors, such as variations in the CYP1A2 gene, which encodes an enzyme responsible for metabolizing caffeine in the liver. If you have a slower metabolism for caffeine, it may remain in your system longer, leading to prolonged effects, including jitteriness or fatigue once the initial stimulating effects wear off.

2. Tolerance and Withdrawal: Over time, regular caffeine consumption can lead to tolerance, meaning that the same amount of caffeine produces a diminished effect. If you have reduced your caffeine intake significantly, your body may have adjusted to lower levels of caffeine, making you more sensitive to its effects when you do consume it again. Additionally, withdrawal symptoms can occur when you stop consuming caffeine, which may include fatigue, headaches, and irritability.

3. Dehydration and Diet: Caffeine is a diuretic, which means it can lead to increased urination and potential dehydration if not balanced with adequate fluid intake. Dehydration can contribute to feelings of fatigue and dizziness. If your diet has also changed, such as consuming less water or fewer nutrients, this could further exacerbate feelings of tiredness.

4. Underlying Health Conditions: Conditions such as anxiety disorders, sleep disorders, or gastrointestinal issues (like acid reflux) can also influence how your body reacts to caffeine. For instance, if you experience anxiety, caffeine can exacerbate symptoms, leading to feelings of fatigue or restlessness. Similarly, if you have gastrointestinal issues, caffeine might irritate your stomach, leading to discomfort and fatigue.

5. Circadian Rhythms: Your body's natural circadian rhythms also play a role in how you feel after consuming caffeine. If you consume caffeine at times when your body is naturally inclined to rest, it may disrupt your sleep-wake cycle, leading to feelings of fatigue.

Given your experiences, it may be beneficial to monitor your caffeine intake and consider reducing or eliminating it from your diet, especially if it consistently leads to discomfort. Additionally, consulting with a healthcare professional can provide personalized insights and help rule out any underlying metabolic or health issues that may be contributing to your symptoms. They may recommend tests to assess your metabolic rate or evaluate for conditions that could affect your response to caffeine.

In conclusion, the fatigue you experience after consuming coffee or tea could be due to a combination of individual sensitivity, metabolic factors, dietary habits, and potentially underlying health conditions. Understanding your body's unique response to caffeine can help you make informed choices about your consumption and overall well-being.

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