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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To ask how much caffeine is too much

39 replies

Moonwatcher1234 · 24/09/2021 19:37

I’m curious…how much tea/ coffee do you drink in a day? If, like me, you are at around 6 cups, does it make you feel a bit weird and like you should really cut down a bit?

If you cut down, is your sleep, skin and mood better??

OP posts:
TastyToastie · 24/09/2021 21:00

Totally depends on you.

I'm really addictive with caffeine, I get a migraine if I don't have the right amount at the right time. I've cut down to one a day and it's helped my headaches but I am not motivated to shake that last cup. Whereas my husband can have 5 cups one day, then nothing for days in a row, no problem.

GreeboIsMySpiritAnimal · 24/09/2021 21:01

I had more than normal today - 4 large cups of filter coffee and some chocolate covered coffee beans as a snack. My DS had a nightmare though, so I was awake from about 4.30 though.

But even on a normal day I have quite a lot - 2-3 large mugs of coffee, and usually a tea in the afternoon. I have have a proper caffeine addiction though - start to crave it if I've not had my usual intake. I do switch to decaf after 5pm though!

Moonwatcher1234 · 24/09/2021 21:04

@CaffeineAndCrochet

Just one cup of coffee a day for me right now. I did drink more, but find that I'm sleeping better since cutting down.

The withdrawal was crazy though - not only headaches, but I spent an entire day weak, dizzy and throwing up. After going through that, there's no way I want to risk going through it again, so I'll be sticking to just one cup a day.

Apt username!

The withdrawal has been horrible on the occasions I have tried to reduce or quit. I have made it all worse with an espresso machine through because those pods are potent...strong and addictive.

OP posts:
Moonwatcher1234 · 24/09/2021 21:06

@GreeboIsMySpiritAnimal

I had more than normal today - 4 large cups of filter coffee and some chocolate covered coffee beans as a snack. My DS had a nightmare though, so I was awake from about 4.30 though.

But even on a normal day I have quite a lot - 2-3 large mugs of coffee, and usually a tea in the afternoon. I have have a proper caffeine addiction though - start to crave it if I've not had my usual intake. I do switch to decaf after 5pm though!

I hear you…it is an addiction isn’t it but a really normal one. It’s like everyone is your dealer, your mum, your boss, your best friend: “can I make you a cup of tea?”
OP posts:
esloquehay · 24/09/2021 21:09

I have about 8 a day. I have quit before and caffeine withdrawal for me is horrendous. I missed it loads and being caffeine free didn't improve my insomnia, so I became caffeinated again!

Mumofboys1 · 24/09/2021 21:16

I used to have about 10 cups of coffee a day 😳 and then Pepsi max also!

I fairly recently cut down a lot, I now only have one proper coffee in the morning, and everything else is decaf including Pepsi.

Stopping was awful and I felt so unwell with headaches for a week or so but now it is absolutely fine and I’m pleased I’ve limited my caffeine now!

WoozySnoozy · 24/09/2021 21:20

I have cut down a few times and then it creeps back up. Am currently trying to cut it down to 1 a day from about 5.

I use instant so I'm starting by having half a spoon of decaf and half a spoon of normal.

lazylinguist · 24/09/2021 21:39

I've become more sensitive to caffeine as I've got older. I have one or two cups of tea a day. If I drink proper coffee it makes me jittery and affects my sleep even if it's only one cup and I drink it in the morning! Even decaf affects me a bit, so I've mostly stopped drinking that too.

ThePotatoCroquette · 24/09/2021 21:48

I used to have loads of caffeine now I don't have it every day and on days I do it's 1-2 and usually lower caffeine options (like a green tea). I thought it would help with my anxiety and sleep issues but it hasn't at all. It's saved me money. That's about it.

idontlikealdi · 24/09/2021 22:08

I have a cafetière for me that's lasts all day, I'd love to drink more after 1300 but then sleep goes to shit.

Metalhead · 25/09/2021 08:06

I have between 4-6 coffees a day. Doesn’t affect my sleep or make me jittery, so don’t really see a problem with it.

Moonwatcher1234 · 25/09/2021 09:12

@lazylinguist

I've become more sensitive to caffeine as I've got older. I have one or two cups of tea a day. If I drink proper coffee it makes me jittery and affects my sleep even if it's only one cup and I drink it in the morning! Even decaf affects me a bit, so I've mostly stopped drinking that too.
Yes, that’s exactly my issue. I have started feeling sensitive to it but honestly can’t stop. The withdrawal headaches and fatigue are terrible.
OP posts:
TastyToastie · 25/09/2021 21:19

Don't try to cut down all at once. Just pick one cup a day and try to switch that to decaf. Decaf filter coffee is a great replacement, it really doesn't feel like you're depriving yourself.

Francescaisstressed · 25/09/2021 22:01

I was told to give up coffee after developing anemia - caffeine stops you absorbing iron. I can't explain how much of a difference it made to my sleep pattern, skin and helped with my anxiety. My partner gave up after seeing my benefits. I won't lie it took me weeks to get use to it but it was worth it.

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