{
  "id": 132987,
  "title": "Rwanda: Energy Drinks - the Buzz That Hides Exhaustion",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/04/rwanda-energy-drinks-the-buzz-that-hides-exhaustion",
  "topic": "ai",
  "section": "AI",
  "published": "2026-08-04T11:51:07.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "AllAfrica Health",
    "slug": "allafrica-health",
    "url": "https://allafrica.com/stories/202608040375.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Energy drinks market themselves as a fast remedy for fatigue, promising heightened concentration, alertness, and stamina. However, they do not generate energy as many believe; rather, they conceal exhaustion by suppressing the brain's signal indicating it's time to rest. An energy drink is a non-alcoholic drink packaged in a can, bottle, or as a petite shot. It's formulated with a high concentration of added caffeine, often exceeding 150 milligrams per liter, and typically blended with sugar or sweeteners, taurine, guarana, B vitamins, and herbal extracts. The primary distinction of energy drinks from tea, coffee, and regular soft drinks lies in their caffeine content, which justifies their classification as stimulants rather than refreshments. Throughout the day, the brain produces a chemical named adenosine that accumulates and signals fatigue. Caffeine in energy drinks obstructs this signal, inducing a transient sensation of alertness. Yet, the fatigue remains dormant, eventually catching up, leading to the need for rest. While most individuals experience mild effects, including a rapid heartbeat, tremulous hands, stomach discomfort, or disturbed sleep, more serious repercussions, such as irregular heartbeats, chest pain, or seizures, are possible, though they are infrequent and typically associated with excessive consumption. The most significant harm often goes unnoticed. Caffeine remains in the body for hours; a can consumed at 3 p.m can disrupt sleep that night, and the fatigue caused by insufficient sleep can prompt another can the next day, leading to a gradual, unnoticed cycle. Moreover, energy drinks contain sugar; many possess as much sugar as ordinary soft drinks in an acidic liquid that can erode tooth enamel. Long-term daily consumption may result in withdrawal symptoms like headaches, mental fog, and a low mood, making cessation challenging and potentially leading individuals back to regular use. Energy drinks are advised against for children and teenagers, who should avoid them even if they are frequently advertised. Pregnant women should also refrain from consuming them, as should individuals with known heart rhythm issues or uncontrolled blood pressure. Those with anxiety should exercise caution since caffeine can exacerbate their symptoms. People with sleep disorders may inadvertently rely on energy drinks to counter fatigue, yet the caffeine's impact on sleep persists. Anyone on medication should consult their physician, as caffeine can interfere with more medications than many realize. Consuming energy drinks alongside alcohol is another danger. Many believe a can of energy drink can aid in sobering up before driving, but it cannot. Research shows that caffeine does not enhance reaction time or driving performance; it merely masks the feeling of drowsiness that would otherwise prompt someone to stop. While a healthy adult's daily caffeine limit is about 400 milligrams from all sources, including coffee, tea, cola, and energy drinks, children should adhere to a much lower limit due to their smaller body weight. A teenager weighing around 45 kilograms would reach their limit with approximately 110 milligrams, which could be one ordinary can or less. Various products contain differing amounts of caffeine, ranging from 50 milligrams to over 500 milligrams per serving. Although labels disclose this information, many people either neglect to read them or misunderstand the numbers. Regular consumers of energy drinks should monitor their total caffeine intake, cease consumption by early afternoon, opt for sugar-free alternatives if they choose to drink them, and avoid mixing them with alcohol. Those aiming to reduce their intake should do so gradually over a week or two, as abrupt cessation can lead to headaches. Severe symptoms such as persistent palpitations, chest pain, fainting, or seizures should be treated as warning signs requiring immediate medical attention, not as justification to try different energy drink brands. The author, a medical doctor and fervent public health advocate, emphasizes the importance of understanding caffeine's effects and the necessity of moderation.",
  "summary": "[New Times] Energy drinks are marketed as a quick solution for tiredness, promising alertness, focus and endurance. But they do not provide energy in the way many people assume. Instead, they hide exhaustion by blocking the brain's signal that tells you to rest.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}