The moment you pop open an energy drink, the sweet, fizzy scent fills the air, promising an instant boost.
As you take that first sip, the cool liquid rushes down your throat, invigorating your senses with a burst of flavor often fruity or citrusy that leaves you craving more.
Within minutes, you can feel the surge of energy coursing through your veins, sharpening your focus and lifting your mood.
But beneath that enticing taste and quick energy fix lies a more complex story about the impact of these drinks on your health.
For some students, consuming energy drinks has become a badge of honor, a way to demonstrate commitment to their studies.
However, they may not fully grasp the long-term effects these drinks can have on their well-being.
Energy drinks are packed with caffeine, a natural stimulant found in coffee beans, tea leaves, and cocoa beans.
While caffeine can enhance alertness and reduce fatigue, excessive consumption can lead to negative side effects, including insomnia, anxiety and jitters.
These drinks are often consumed in hopes of gaining an academic edge.
One anonymous student shares his story about succumbing to peer pressure.
“I started using energy drinks during exam periods to stay focused and study longer, just like my friends,” he says.
“I thought they would help me, but the late nights led to disrupted sleep patterns, anxiety, and a racing heart,” he adds
This student also highlights a broader societal issue: the expectation for academic excellence often drives students to rely on unhealthy habits.
“Parents and guardians expect so much from us, which adds to the pressure,” he says.
Another anonymous student shares a more nuanced perspective on energy drinks.
“They help me stay awake during late-night study sessions, allowing me to catch up with lectures,” he says.
He typically consumes one energy drink during the day and up to three at night. However, he has faced side effects as well.
“I’ve developed stomach problems and anxiety from the intake,” the student says.
He echoed the sentiment that societal pressure plays a significant role in his consumption.
“I feel compelled to excel because that’s what everyone expects from me.”
In an interview with Lusaka Star, Ministry of Health(MOH) Mental Health Expert Gabriel Lungu, emphasizes the alarming caffeine content in many energy drinks, noting that they can contain as much as 80% caffeine.
“Caffeine elevates certain chemicals in the brain, which can create a temporary sense of alertness,” he explains.
“These drinks can strain brain function and lead to addiction, the more caffeine one consumes, the more the brain becomes dependent on it, making it difficult to function without it.”
As students search for ways to prolong their study sessions, Lungu cautions that this strategy doesn’t necessarily enhance their ability to learn.
“The brain has a limit to its retention capacity. Over reliance on energy drinks can lead to burnout,” he says.
Moreover, Lungu highlights the impact of caffeine on sleep patterns.
“Caffeine disrupts normal sleep cycles, reducing the amount of restorative sleep one gets,” he says.
To effectively manage academic pressure, he advises students to prioritize time management.
Instead of risking, students can adopt healthier alternatives to boost their energy and focus like maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity and practicing effective time management can help reduce stress and improve overall academic performance and saving the semester of course.
Health is indeed Wealth.