I want to tell my story to those who are plagued by sleep difficulties, who may likely be utilizing stimulants to stay alert during their day. I feel this is serious. Post this if you can find an appropriate home for it on your site.

I had been "doing the Dew", as well as other caffeinated substances since 1993. For years I was constantly tired, had difficulty focusing on a computer or book for more than an hour, couldn't stay awake driving, I was crabby and moody (even to the point of frequent severe depression), had painful heartburn 2 or more times per week that a dozen Rolaids would barely touch, and I had headaches every single Sunday like clockwork. (Side note: there was nothing going on Saturdays like drinking or loud parties or anything that could have been causing my headaches.)

About two months ago I quit caffeine 100% - cold turkey. I changed nothing else (like my diet, exercise, etc.) After a week+ of adjustment and stabilizing my sleep patterns (6 to 7 hours per day), I felt better than I had in nearly a decade - I honestly felt like a new man. Now I am working 3rd shift (NOT my shift of choice) and have no problem staying awake all night long with NO caffeine (unheard of back in my caffeinated days), I have more consistent & dependable energy, my mood swings have largely flattened out, I can stay awake pretty well driving home from work at 8 AM after a 10 hour over-night shift, and - you guessed it - my heartburn is practically non-existant.

Now for the kicker: after thinking about it for a while, I finally figured out the headaches! After the workday ended on Fridays I had never used to have any caffeine at home over the weekend. It was the residual level of caffeine in my system falling down and putting me into painful physical withdrawal - I have not had a single headache in two months (I don't even know where the Advil container is anymore.) Withdrawl from caffeine caused me inestimatable difficulty in my life for many years in the form of pain, lack of focus and effectiveness, social and family problems, depression, and more.

If you don't believe it, last Friday I broke down and had some caffeine because I hadn't slept all day before going in to work 3rd shift, and Saturday was the most terrible, non-productive, worn-down, tired out, depressed and un-motivated day I have had in two months (since I first quit caffeine).

I don't know why they don't talk about this stuff on the evening news! WHY DOESN'T SOMEONE TELL AMERICA IT IS PHYSICALLY ADDICTED TO CAFFEINE?? For what it's worth...

From Steve, Wisconsin, U.S.A.

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