Neurologist reveals why skipping tea or coffee can lead to headaches

Caffeine withdrawal symptoms appear within 12 to 24 hours of not drinking coffee. Headaches can be accompanied by lethargy, mood swings, and difficulty concentrating. These effects last for 2-3 days in occasional coffee or tea drinkers, while they can last up to a week in heavy drinkers.

New Delhi: If you start your morning with tea or coffee, do you also feel more refreshed? However, why do symptoms like headache, fatigue, and irritability set in on days when you don't have a cup of tea or coffee? Dr. Sudhir Kumar, a senior neurologist at Apollo Hospitals in Hyderabad, explains that the answer lies in caffeine withdrawal. Let's explore this in detail.

Why do headaches occur?
The caffeine in our tea and coffee blocks adenosine, a chemical produced in the brain. Adenosine is the same chemical that makes us feel sleepy and tired. When you drink coffee daily, your brain becomes accustomed to this change, but as soon as you stop drinking coffee, adenosine suddenly becomes active in greater amounts. This causes the blood vessels in the brain to dilate, leading to headaches.

When and how long do symptoms last?

Caffeine withdrawal symptoms appear within 12 to 24 hours of not drinking coffee. Headaches can be accompanied by lethargy, mood swings, and difficulty concentrating. These effects last for 2-3 days in occasional coffee or tea drinkers, while they can last up to a week in heavy drinkers.

How to Control This Condition?
According to doctors, if you want to quit coffee, do so gradually, not suddenly. Here are some simple steps you can try:

Gradually cut back: Start with two cups daily, then work your way down to one, then gradually taper off.

Drink plenty of water: Dehydration can worsen headaches.

Get good sleep: The brain takes time to adjust to caffeine withdrawal, so adequate rest is essential.

Be patient: This headache is temporary and resolves on its own within a few days.

Coffee or tea certainly boosts energy and improves mood, but maintaining a balanced diet is essential. Remember – your first cup of coffee wakes you up, but the right amount keeps your mind happy.