Purple Water: What’s Really Inside That Can?
“I’m beat!” or “I’m so exhausted!”
Sound familiar? That’s a common phrase among teens and young adults overwhelmed by school, social life, sports, and screen time. To fight off fatigue, many turn to quick fixes — like energy drinks. These brightly packaged beverages are loaded with caffeine, sugar, and other stimulants that promise a boost. But at what cost?
1. Energy Drinks Can Cause Headaches and Migraines
Many teens drink energy beverages to stay alert. But what they don’t realize is that excessive consumption can trigger relentless headaches and migraines. Caffeine — a powerful, addictive stimulant — is one of the main ingredients.
Once the body becomes dependent on caffeine, withdrawal symptoms like pounding headaches and irritability quickly follow when intake stops.
Parents who are hooked on coffee know how real caffeine withdrawal can be — now imagine that amplified in a teenager’s developing brain.
2. Energy Drinks Promote Unhealthy Behavior
The “buzz” from energy drinks makes teens feel overly energized or hyperactive. That artificial high can lead to:
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Difficulty focusing
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Restlessness or impulsive behavior
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Increased irritability
Some teens might even turn to these drinks regularly to cope with pressure, leading to unhealthy reliance. Long-term use is often linked to increased risk-taking behavior, such as skipping school, speeding while driving, or mixing with alcohol at parties.
3. Insomnia and Poor Academic Performance
One of the most damaging effects of energy drinks is insomnia. These drinks are designed to keep you awake — which might sound helpful until your teen can’t sleep for hours afterward. And no sleep = no focus = poor grades.
A lack of rest can lead to:
Trouble concentrating in class
Mood swings or anxiety
Weakened immune system
Sluggishness and memory problems
Ironically, many teens drink energy drinks to stay alert — but the resulting poor sleep only makes their fatigue worse the next day, trapping them in a cycle of exhaustion.
So, Why Do Teens Reach for Energy Drinks?
One word: Fatigue.
Teens today are under a lot of pressure — academically, socially, and emotionally. When sleep suffers, they grab the fastest fix available. Unfortunately, that fix often comes in a flashy can filled with chemicals.
But there are healthier alternatives, such as:
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Drinking plenty of water
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Eating energy-boosting snacks (nuts, fruits)
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Taking short naps
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Establishing regular sleep routines
Final Thought: Be Aware, Be Proactive
Parents, teachers, and caregivers — don’t ignore the signs. If your teen is relying heavily on energy drinks, it’s a signal they may be overwhelmed or under-rested. Start a conversation. Help them explore safer, sustainable ways to boost energy and manage stress.
The best energy booster isn’t in a can — it’s rest, balance, and real nutrition.
Interesting viewpoint, not sure I agree with some of the statements like energy drinks leading to other unhealthy behavior or increasing vulgarity.
Mandy, Energy drinking leads to other bad behavior or increase vulgarity..just my personal opinion. Thanks for your support.
I am not a fan of energy drinks at all.
M: K & M, I try energy drink one time. I was running around like a crazy women at work . 3 hours into my shift I crash was so sleepy and my heart start beating so fast. Who need this not teens and certainly not me. Thanks for your support.
i am not gonna lie when I used to work at a hookah lounge I would drink Red Bulls because I would have to stay up until 6am! I wasnt a fan before and I dont drink them now…I am happy energy drinks were a thing when I was a teen…but when I have kids they will absolutely not be able to drink this or coffee. Nope!
Kiwi, You are correct I try using energy drink before same situation stay awake. Never again. Thanks for your support.
I’ve never had an energy drink and never intend to. So glad you are getting the word out about how unsafe they are for teens.
Alli, Thank you for your support.
I agree completely! I think some teens / young adults just drink them because they want to do what other people are doing, too. But, yes, too many of these drinks can seriously mess up a developing system! Thanks for helping get the word out!
Amy, Maybe the teens being a follower, but adults drink them to stay awake especially if working graveyard shift. that is why Energy drink is so popular.
I’ve never had one of those energy drinks and don’t plan on it! They seem like such an unhealthy choice for teens and adults.
Amber, yes, teens drinking energy drink daily is unhealthy.Thanks you for your support
As a parent, I definitely won’t be letting my children consume energy drinks when they’re teens. In a way, I look at energy drinks as a form of alcohol almost. Besides getting proper sleep, there are too many other natural ways like vitamins and juicing that can help not only teens but adults as well build up their energy to become more alert.
K.Elizabeth, I try Energy drink before working the night shift. It made my heart beat so fast I thought I was checking out. never again … Thanks for your support.
I’m also not a big fan of energy drinks at all. I’m also not a big coffee drinker either, but my boyfriend seems to be trying to change that! I used to drink Red Bull and the like in college for studying sessions, but I remember that jittery crash they give. Not recommended.
Coming from a doc these are great tips! Natural sleep is the best remedy vs these dangerous drinks!
Nadeen, Energy drink causes the body to going into overdrive…especially young adult who do not understand the effect. Rest is a good choice.
Wow! I’ve always been leery about energy drinks even for myself. But this gave a lot of great examples so thank you for breaking it down!
Christine, Glad you like it and Thanks for your support.
I never understood the hype regrading energy drinks. If you are tired, make time to get some rest.
Patricia, Glad you like it and thanks for support.