In a school as competitive as Skyline, students often sacrifice their sleep for studies, compensating for lack of rest by using caffeine as an energy boost throughout the day. However, there are many healthier alternatives to aid with staying focused during the school day.
Caffeine is considered the most common solution due to its easy access. Skyline has a coffee dispenser machine in the commons and offers energy drinks for purchase during both lunches.
However, according to the FDA, excess caffeine intake can lead to “increased heart rate, heart palpitations, high blood pressure, anxiety, sleep problems, digestive problems, and dehydration.” In teenagers whose brains are still developing, these effects can be dangerously heightened.
Sophomore Eliana Echols reports consuming “between 200 to 300 milligrams daily,” which is the equivalent of one to two cans of energy drinks. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that teens under 18 have less than 100mg of caffeine in one day.
Due to the negative effects of excessive caffeine intake, some students choose healthier alternatives to stay alert during the day.
Senior Sneha Moudgalya mainly drinks coffee and tea as her energy boost during the day, but her caffeine-free recommendation is to “drink ice cold water, as it can serve as a shock to your system.” This can be especially helpful during times that require long periods of concentration, such as the SAT.
Alternatively, sophomore Kaitlyn C. suggests chewing minty gum during class to keep the brain focused. When gum is not allowed inside certain classrooms, eating a flavorful mint or candy can be helpful as well.
If you are struggling to stay focused outside of class, it can also be beneficial to step back and take a quick power nap, eat a small snack, or have a stretch break to move around. It is generally healthier to consume drinks that are less concentrated with caffeine, including tea and fruit juice.
For more information:
For kids and teens, energy drinks may have harmful side effects
