“Coffee is a balm for the heart and the spirit,” said composer Giuseppe Verdi. Poet Georges Courteline went a step further, stating that “One changes religion more easily than one changes faith.”
Lovers of good coffee, including myself, know exactly what we’re talking about. However, although it’s the second most consumed beverage in the world, surpassed only by water, it’s important not to overdo it, as it can cause various problems, including an increased risk of hallucinations.
Too much coffee will make you imagine things that don’t exist
Did you know that 3% of the world’s population hears voices regularly when they’re alone and that up to 10% of people will hear voices at some point in their lives, although this doesn’t necessarily mean they have a psychiatric disorder?
Previous studies have shown that too much caffeine can cause palpitations and insomnia, but in this case, researchers at Durham University focused on psychological symptoms. They found that some people may experience terrifying hallucinations and others report hearing voices in their heads.
In the study, they analyzed the caffeine intake of 200 people, some of whom had previously experienced illusions or heard voices. Participants reported their daily caffeine intake, taking into account not only coffee but also other sources, such as tea, energy drinks, and dark chocolate.
It was discovered that those who consumed a lot of caffeine (the equivalent of more than seven cups of instant coffee a day) were three times more likely to suffer hallucinations than those who drank one cup of coffee a day.
Of course, this isn’t the only study that has linked caffeine consumption to hallucinations. A later experiment conducted at LaTrobe University confirmed this relationship.
In that case, psychologists recruited 92 people, some of whom drank several cups of coffee a day and others only one. Participants were asked to listen to a three-minute recording of white noise, but were told that at some point they would hear Bing Crosby singing “White Christmas.” At that moment, they were to signal by pressing a button.
Although the recording did not contain any vocals, people who consumed five or more cups of coffee a day reported hearing Bing Crosby sing at least three times.
Researchers explain that, in the case of natural coffee, which contains much more caffeine, the risk increases with just three cups a day. They also indicate that even more moderate amounts can increase the risk of hallucinations in people who are very sensitive to caffeine or who are already prone to this problem.
Why does coffee make us imagine things that don’t exist?
The effects of coffee on the brain have been well documented. For example, caffeine is known to reduce GABA receptors by up to 65%. This amino acid influences muscle control, sleep quality, and neuronal function. In fact, low levels of GABA have been linked to disorders such as schizophrenia.
The first symptoms that coffee is damaging your nervous system are usually minor muscle spasms and irritability. Neuroscientists explain that caffeine may also increase the effect of stress, triggering hallucinations.
Of course, that doesn’t mean you should eliminate coffee. There are also studies that show that a cup of coffee relieves depression and has a powerful stimulating effect that helps us get an extra dose of energy when we need it most. However, like everything in life, it’s best not to go to extremes.
Sources:
Crowe, S.F. et. Al. (2011) The effect of caffeine and stress on auditory hallucinations in a non-clinical sample. Personality and Individual Differences ; 50(5): 626-630.
Jones, SR & Fernyhough, C. (2009) Caffeine, stress, and proneness to psychosis-like experiences: A preliminary investigation. Personality and Individual Differences ; 46(4): 562-564.
Leave a Reply