Energy Drinks' Effects on Liggett Students

High school students who aren't getting enough sleep, coming to school tired after staying up late doing homework or playing video games often rely on energy drinks to stay awake. 

Energy drinks have become a regular part of life for many teenagers, including students at Liggett. Some drink them daily, others only occasionally and some avoid them altogether. 

Izak Calderon said he drinks energy drinks every day. Landon Metzger said he has them two to three times a week when he doesn’t have time or forgets to make coffee. 

On the other hand, some students limit or avoid energy drinks entirely. Charlie Laethem said that he drinks them “maybe one to two times a week,” while Ravi Hines said that he doesn't drink them at all, instead getting his energy from getting lots of sleep.

According to the CDC School Nutrition, up to 50% of adolescents report consuming energy drinks. Health experts warn that high caffeine intake can lead to side effects like headaches, jitteriness and trouble sleeping. 

Some students see energy drinks as a personal choice. Metzger said that if the school banned energy drinks, “I don’t think it would be a smart decision because ultimately it’s up to the person who drinks it.” 

Laethem agreed that rules would likely affect only a portion of students, as many rely on them occasionally and responsibly.