Alternatives To Caffeine To Stay Awake

Going for a cup of coffee when you feel tired and sleepy is a normal thing for caffeine lovers. For many. coffee is the only way to kickstart their day. However, too much caffeine can cause side effects like bloating, nervousness, insomnia, restlessness, and other discomforts. Moreover, it can also increase the risks of heart attack and stroke. If you are looking for healthy alternatives to caffeine to stay awake, go ahead and read more.

Drinks to substitute caffeine

1. Black tea

A cup of coffee has 200mg of caffeine whereas a cup of black tea contains 60mg of caffeine. Black tea provides several health benefits that include better heart health, brain health, and digestive health. Moreover, it eliminates free radicals as it is packed with antioxidants. It boosts the immune system and increases energy levels. So, black tea is a healthy alternative to caffeine as it also helps you to stay awake. You should remember that consuming too much black tea can cause nausea, anxiety, sleeping trouble, and irregular heartbeat.

2. Apple cider vinegar

It is rich in potassium and enzymes that have natural electrolyte properties. Amino acids in apple cider vinegar help in reducing tiredness. All you have to do is to add two teaspoons of ACVB to a glass of water and drink it. You are sure to feel a jolt of energy. It also promotes weight loss, treats sore throat, and lowers cholesterol. It is a healthy choice but you should not drink it without diluting it. It may erode your enamel if you drink it excessively.

3. Chicory coffee

Chicory coffee is made by mincing, roasting, and brewing chicory root. It does not contain caffeine but contains a compound called caffeic acid that helps to shoot up the energy level. It is rich in nutrients and has prebiotic fiber that makes it a healthy drink but it does not provide the same energy boost as caffeine.

4. Green tea

One cup of green tea contains 30mg of caffeine. It has natural stimulant properties that allow you to stay awake, alert, and focused. As it is low in calorie count it promotes weight loss. It is gentle on your nerves and does not cause nervousness. It is a stress reliever. However, some people may be sensitive to green tea and may suffer from side effects like vomiting, dizziness, insomnia, and anemia.

5. Hot chocolate

It is a tasty drink with a creamy texture and rich flavor. A cup of hot chocolate contains 10mg of caffeine. It contains xanthines that have stimulant effects. It not only helps to stay awake but also to destress and calm down as it promotes serotonin production. Flavanoids in chocolates have antioxidant properties. However, hot chocolate drinks contain lots of sugar which is not a healthy option.

6. Yerba mate coffee

A cup of yerba mate coffee contains 80mg of caffeine. Moreover, it is rich in xanthines which are natural stimulants. So, they make you stay awake and alert. It also contains many nutrients that provide health benefits like increased immunity and better physical performance. It also lowers sugar and cholesterol levels. However, it should be used with caution because it may cause side effects like headaches and may interact with the medications you are taking. Yerba mate is also not suitable for everyone. It increases the risk of cancer if you are living in hot places and drink it regularly

7. Peppermint tea

Studies show that peppermint tea contains natural compounds that reduce fatigue and boost energy. In one of the studies, peppermint tea was given to a group of 24 young healthy people. They all accepted that they had less mental and physical fatigue and enhanced their energy. Feeling energetic and fresh is important to stay awake. However, it also has muscle-relaxing properties. So, some believe that it has sleep-enhancing properties. Hence it is not sure if it keeps you awake or not.

8. Apple juice

It may be difficult to believe that apple juice promotes wakefulness but it does help to keep you to stay awake. Apples don’t contain caffeine but they have natural sugars which act as fuel to boost energy. It does not spike your energy levels sharply like a cup of coffee. It energizes you slowly but steadily. It boosts your alertness significantly but you can’t expect immediate effects. Apple juice will help you to stay awake but may not give you the expected results.

9. Ginseng tea

The history of ginseng tea to improve energy and focus dates back several years ago. Ginseng is stimulating as it acts on the adrenaline glands. It reduces mental fatigue and improves focus. Ginseng does not contain caffeine but it should not be taken regularly. It may cause insomnia. Moreover, it may interact with your medications.

10. Kombucha tea

Kombucha has little caffeine in it but it is the combination of caffeine and l-theanine that helps to improve alertness and focus. It promotes calm and focused alertness and not a spike of energy. It elevates the levels of dopamine and serotonin. They are neurotransmitters that not only regulate your mood but also improve cognitive skills. So, kombucha tea is a good alternative to caffeine without any dangerous side effects. However, it may cause digestion problems like nausea, vomiting, and bloating if overconsumed. Moreover, if it is not pure it may be unsafe.

Other options

The above 10 drinks are good alternatives to caffeine and may help you to stay awake. All of them have both pluses and minuses. They may help you to get rid of sleepiness to some extent but if you want to stay awake the whole night, they may not be very helpful. There are other options like taking Modafinil. Modafinil is a wakefulness-promoting drug prescribed to treat sleep issues like narcolepsy and sleep apnea. You can buy Modafinil online but you should not use it without consulting with your doctor. It is effective to eliminate sluggishness and sleepiness. If you want to buy Modafinil online you should know all about the drug and buy it with your physician’s prescription.