Post by : Saif Rahman

Many people reach for energy drinks to remain alert during work or study, but a UK physician says routine reliance could reflect an underlying medical or lifestyle issue. Dr Sermed Mezher, a family medicine doctor practising in England, told patients that these beverages do not create true bodily energy; they primarily suppress the sensation of tiredness and can foster dependence.

According to Dr Mezher, energy drinks act by inhibiting adenosine, a brain chemical that signals the need for sleep. With adenosine blocked, the brain registers wakefulness even though the body still requires rest, allowing someone to feel alert while physiological fatigue remains.

He added that many consumers use these drinks to cope with problems they have not addressed. Chronic sleep loss, stress, anxiety, undiagnosed attention-deficit issues and deficiencies such as low vitamin D or B12 can all reduce energy. Rather than investigating these causes, people often opt for a quick stimulant boost.

Dr Mezher cautioned that daily consumption can develop into a habit. Over time, tolerance to caffeine grows and higher amounts are needed to achieve the same stimulating effect, which perpetuates a cycle of temporary alertness followed by renewed fatigue.

The physician noted several possible harms from sustained use: rapid heartbeat, raised blood pressure, irritability and disrupted sleep are common short-term effects, while prolonged reliance may increase the risk of cardiovascular and chronic sleep disorders. In other words, masking tiredness may ultimately worsen it.

His advice for those feeling constantly exhausted is to avoid leaning on energy drinks and to seek underlying explanations. Practical steps include improving sleep routines, managing stress, refining diet and consulting a clinician for evaluations such as vitamin testing or mental health assessment where appropriate.

Health professionals observing rising consumption—particularly among students and long-hours office staff—stress that stimulants offer only brief relief. They emphasise that adequate rest, nutrition and medical assessment are essential and cannot be substituted by energy drinks.

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