Caffeine is a study-time staple—coffee, tea, energy drinks, you name it. But it’s also surrounded by one persistent belief: “Caffeine dehydrates you.”
So what’s the truth—myth or fact?
Caffeine does have a mild diuretic effect, but in regular caffeine consumers, this effect is minimal. The fluid you consume with caffeinated drinks still contributes to hydration.
A cup of coffee doesn’t cancel itself out.
Fact: Moderation Matters
High doses of caffeine—especially from energy drinks—can:
Increase urine output temporarily
Cause jitteriness and palpitations
Mask fatigue, not fix it
In excess, caffeine can contribute to dehydration, particularly if water intake is low.
Myth: Coffee and Tea Don’t Count as Fluid
While water is ideal, tea and coffee still add to daily fluid intake. They’re not replacements for water, but they’re not hydration villains either.
Fact: Caffeine Can Hide Dehydration Signals
Caffeine can reduce the feeling of tiredness, making you ignore early signs of dehydration like:
Headache
Dry mouth
Poor concentration
That’s where problems actually start.
The Smarter Approach
Pair caffeine with water
Avoid relying only on caffeinated drinks during long study hours
Watch timing—late caffeine affects sleep, which indirectly impacts hydration and recovery
Am NOT a Coffee paglu by default but I keep leaning for black coffee before workout sessions, long duty hours, or every time I sit myself down to study.This happens very unconsciously- so yeah, need to hydrate myself properly to adequately enjoy my favourite drink.Great post!
Great breakdown! It’s good to know that caffeine doesn’t automatically dehydrate you - in moderation your coffee or tea still counts toward hydration. Just pairing it with water and not relying solely on caffeinated drinks makes hydration smarter and healthier.
Caffeine doesn’t inherently dehydrate, but balance is key the moderate intake with adequate water supports focus without compromising hydration, especially during long study or work hours.
There is a saying that - “ too much of anything is dangerous”. As you rightly pointed out too much of caffeine is where the problem lies. Also this level of too much may vary according to the patient as well as where they reside. It is also important to consider these factors and then take up a choice.
Yes balance matters!! Caffeine has a diuretic effect, increasing urine production like water does, but it doesn’t hydrate the body as effectively long term. In extended study or work periods, this can lead to brain fog, impaired memory, and reduced productivity that creeps up unnoticed.
I am not a frequent consumer of caffeine; I only drink tea or coffee when I seriously need to stay awake and focused on a task.
Thank you for busting some myths I had in my mind about caffeine and hydration.
Most of us forget to rest and work continuously which is very bad. Caffeine just aids to support and helps you survive the hours and thereby causing you to dehydrate. Hence if moderate caffeine with better break routine can be more helpful.
