Physician explains why many people depend on energy drinks to get through the day

Many people drink energy drinks to stay awake and focused during work or studies, but a doctor has explained that depending on them every day could be a sign of a deeper problem. Dr. Sermed Mezher, a family medicine physician based in England, said that energy drinks do not actually provide real energy to the body. Instead, they block the feeling of tiredness, which can lead to a harmful cycle of use and dependence.

Dr. Mezher said that energy drinks work by blocking a chemical in the brain called adenosine. This chemical is responsible for making the body feel sleepy when it needs rest. When adenosine is blocked, the brain does not recognise that the body is tired, and the person feels more awake. However, the tiredness still exists inside the body. This means the person is forcing the body to work without proper rest.

The physician also explained that many people use energy drinks as a way to deal with problems they may not even know they have. He said that some people may be suffering from lack of sleep, stress, anxiety, or even undiagnosed ADHD. In some cases, vitamin deficiencies such as low Vitamin D or B12 can also cause low energy levels. Instead of identifying these issues, people reach for energy drinks to temporarily feel better.

Dr. Mezher warned that using energy drinks every day can become a habit that is hard to break. After some time, the body gets used to the caffeine, and the person needs more of the drink to feel the same effect. This creates a loop where the person feels tired, drinks an energy drink, gets temporary alertness, and then becomes tired again once the effect wears off.

The doctor stated that this cycle can lead to several health problems. Some immediate side effects include a fast heartbeat, high blood pressure, irritability, and difficulty sleeping. If this continues for a long time, the person may face more serious health risks, including heart and sleep-related disorders. He said that the tiredness people try to hide by drinking energy drinks may actually become worse over time.

Dr. Mezher advised that if someone feels tired all the time, they should not rely on energy drinks. Instead, they should look for the real cause behind the tiredness. He suggested getting proper sleep, managing stress, improving diet, and consulting a doctor for tests such as vitamin level checks or mental health evaluation if needed.

Health experts say that the use of energy drinks is growing, especially among students and office workers who work long hours. However, doctors remind that the human body needs rest to stay healthy. Energy drinks may make people feel active for a short time, but they cannot replace sleep, nutrition, or a healthy lifestyle.