Caffeine: "Fuel" for young people's all-night study race
In the context of increasing pressure from studying and working, caffeine is becoming an indispensable "companion" for many students, especially during nights of "running deadlines" or studying for exams.
Khanh Ngoc, a first-year student in Hanoi , is one of them. The young girl often has to drink 2-3 cups of coffee a day to stay awake and complete her homework on time.
"My body is exhausted but my mind is still strained to meet the deadline. Sometimes I feel sleepy and stressed but still have to sit still to finish the work," Ngoc shared.
For Ngoc, coffee is like a companion during nights of deadlines (Photo: Character provided).
Similarly, Bao Ngoc, a third-year student studying for two degrees at the same time, often goes to 24/7 coffee shops to study all night. "A few cans of energy drinks or coffee are almost always available nearby," Ngoc confided.
24/7 coffee shops have become ideal destinations for young people to meet deadlines (Photo: Linh Chi).
Even high school students are no exception. Thuy Duong, a 12th grader in Thanh Hoa , had to use her third can of energy drink of the day to fight off sleepiness, finishing her studies until 2 am before the national high school exam.
"I can't stand it without energy drinks. When I'm sleepy, my mind freezes and I can't do my homework," Duong recalled.
From a temporary solution to a habit of dependence
Caffeine, a central nervous system stimulant, has become an integral part of the “night owl culture” of young people. However, from a temporary solution to “fight sleepiness”, caffeine is gradually becoming a habit with an element of dependence.
Gia Huy (18 years old, Da Nang City) shared: "Every time I sit at my desk, I have to have coffee next to me. If I don't drink it, my mind will be hazy. When I have coffee, it's like a switch is turned on, my mind becomes alert."
Drinking coffee to stay up late to study is a common habit of many senior students in the final stage (Photo: Character provided).
Studies also show this trend. In the US, 92% of college students use caffeine regularly, of which nearly 80% use it to stay awake. In Vietnam, a survey at Hanoi Medical University in 2023 showed that 88.3% of seniors had used caffeinated beverages.
What's worrying is that this dependence is often not recognized by young people. The inability to study without caffeine can be mistaken for an inability to concentrate, when in fact it can be a sign that the body is overworked and needs a break.
Study long term without sacrificing sleep
Phuong Linh (19 years old, student in Hanoi) is a typical example of the negative effects of caffeine abuse.
Despite being aware of the health effects such as difficulty sleeping, rapid heartbeat, and headaches, Linh still finds it difficult to give up this habit. "My stomach aches and I feel stressed all the time, but if I don't drink, I feel lethargic all day and can't study," Linh shared.
Coffee has become an indispensable friend of Phuong Linh (Photo: Character provided).
However, Hoang Khanh Chi (19 years old, student at the Diplomatic Academy) has found a way to adjust.
Instead of consuming caffeine, Chi applies the Pomodoro learning method, dividing her study time into short cycles interspersed with reasonable breaks. "When applying this method, I study more focused without feeling tired or lethargic," Chi shared.
MSc. Dr. Doan Du Manh, member of the Vietnam Vascular Disease Association, warns about the harmful effects of caffeine abuse.
"If abused, users can easily experience symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, palpitations, anxiety, and sleep disorders. In the long term, it can affect heart rate, cause blood pressure disorders, and increase the burden on the cardiovascular system," said Dr. Manh.
Doctors recommend that teenagers should not consume more than 100–150mg of caffeine per day and should never use caffeine to replace breakfast.
Source: https://dantri.com.vn/suc-khoe/caffeine-va-giac-ngu-bi-danh-cap-cua-the-he-cay-diem-20250629220633955.htm
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