"Never Drink This at Night, Especially for Women"... A Beverage That Causes More Serious Symptoms Than Insomnia [Experiment Note]
University of Texas at El Paso Study Findings
"Reduced Inhibition with Nighttime Caffeine Consumption"
Changes Most Pronounced in Female Fruit Flies
There is one thing that is always present during late-night work: coffee. More specifically, the help of caffeine in coffee is needed. Caffeine enhances alertness, boosts concentration, and reduces fatigue.
However, a recent study suggests that this habit could lead to unexpected consequences. Researchers at the University of Texas at El Paso recently announced findings that caffeine consumed at night can increase impulsive behavior.
The research team conducted experiments on fruit flies to examine how caffeine affects behavioral inhibition and impulsivity. They varied the time of caffeine intake (day or night), the amount consumed, and whether the flies were sleep-deprived, then observed their reactions to unpleasant stimuli.
Fruit flies instinctively stop moving when exposed to strong stimuli such as powerful air currents. The researchers used this response to assess the flies' ability to inhibit behavior.
The results showed that flies which consumed caffeine at night exhibited decreased inhibition, failing to stop moving even when exposed to stimuli. The researchers interpreted this as an increase in impulsive behavior.
On the other hand, when caffeine was consumed during the day, such changes were not observed. This suggests that the timing of intake can lead to different behavioral outcomes, even with the same substance.
Just a Different Drinking Time... "Brain Response Changed"
The researchers noted that the physiological environment of nighttime may alter how caffeine works. Their explanation is that caffeine may not only enhance alertness, but at night, it could also weaken behavioral inhibition. This shows that the effects of coffee can differ depending on when you drink it.
Differences by gender were also observed. Female flies showed a greater increase in impulsive behavior than males, even when consuming similar levels of caffeine. The research team suggested that genetic and physiological factors, rather than hormones, may have influenced this result.
The researchers noted that these findings could have implications for humans as well. They added that groups who frequently consume caffeine at night, such as night shift workers or medical staff, may experience changes in behavioral control. However, they also emphasized that since this research was conducted on fruit flies, it cannot be directly applied to humans.
The Controversial Effects of Coffee
Coffee is always at the center of debate. This is because studies on its effects often yield conflicting results. A research team led by Professor Gregory M. Marcus at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) found that drinking an average of seven cups of coffee per week may reduce the risk of developing or recurring atrial fibrillation.
Some studies also suggest that the habit of drinking beverages containing caffeine, such as coffee, can lower the risk of dementia and improve cognitive outcomes. There are even reports that it can reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection and help control blood sugar, making it seem like a cure-all.
On the other hand, some claim that avoiding coffee is better for your health. This is particularly true for drinking coffee too early in the morning, as it can increase the secretion of the stress hormone cortisol, putting extra strain on the body.
If cortisol levels remain high for an extended period, it can increase stress, cause sleep disorders, stimulate appetite, and lead to weight gain. It can also stimulate the sebaceous glands, increasing sebum production and causing skin problems such as acne. For those who enjoy very hot coffee, research has shown an increased risk of developing esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, a type of esophageal cancer.
Hot Picks Today
Ultimately, even the same coffee can have entirely different effects depending on the time of consumption, lifestyle, health status, and drinking habits. Paracelsus, the Swiss physician known as the 'father of toxicology,' famously said, "The dose makes the poison." This means that any substance can be beneficial if used appropriately, but harmful if misused. The same can be said for coffee. How about trying a mild, caffeine-free roasted barley tea today instead of your usual "work coffee"?
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
