The Short Answer
Caffeine is a stimulant that can increase alertness and may improve some aspects of exercise performance.
Common Sources
- Coffee
- Tea
- Energy drinks
- Pre-workout products
Why do People Use It?
Common reasons include:
- Increased alertness
- Reduced perception of effort
- Performance support
The Biggest Problem
Too much caffeine can cause:
- Jitters
- Anxiety
- Rapid heartbeat
- Sleep problems
- Digestive discomfort
Timing Matters.
Using caffeine too late in the day can interfere with sleep.
If caffeine harms your sleep, its performance benefits may not be worth the trade-off.