RallyPoint Team 312286 <div class="images-v2-count-1"><div class="content-picture image-v2-number-1" id="image-12591"> <div class="social_icons social-buttons-on-image"> <a href='https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rallypoint.com%2Fanswers%2Fservice-members-effects-of-energy-drink-consumption-on-sleep%3Futm_source%3DFacebook%26utm_medium%3Dorganic%26utm_campaign%3DShare%20to%20facebook' target="_blank" class='social-share-button facebook-share-button'><i class="fa fa-facebook-f"></i></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Service+Members%3A+Effects+of+Energy+Drink+Consumption+on+Sleep&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rallypoint.com%2Fanswers%2Fservice-members-effects-of-energy-drink-consumption-on-sleep&amp;via=RallyPoint" target="_blank" class="social-share-button twitter-custom-share-button"><i class="fa fa-twitter"></i></a> <a href="mailto:?subject=Check this out on RallyPoint!&body=Hi, I thought you would find this interesting:%0D%0AService Members: Effects of Energy Drink Consumption on Sleep%0D%0A %0D%0AHere is the link: https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/service-members-effects-of-energy-drink-consumption-on-sleep" target="_blank" class="social-share-button email-share-button"><i class="fa fa-envelope"></i></a> </div> <a class="fancybox" rel="fd9110ff9de51f506f1b776d6e8347f7" href="https://d1ndsj6b8hkqu9.cloudfront.net/pictures/images/000/012/591/for_gallery_v2/Energy-Drink_Fourth_Round.jpg"><img src="https://d1ndsj6b8hkqu9.cloudfront.net/pictures/images/000/012/591/large_v3/Energy-Drink_Fourth_Round.jpg" alt="Energy drink fourth round" /></a></div></div>Many people rely on energy drinks to keep themselves going during the day, and service members in combat are no exception. The effects of these drinks, however, seem to be detrimental to both health and performance. Is there a better alternative to these energy drinks? Service Members: Effects of Energy Drink Consumption on Sleep 2014-11-05T15:14:35-05:00 RallyPoint Team 312286 <div class="images-v2-count-1"><div class="content-picture image-v2-number-1" id="image-12591"> <div class="social_icons social-buttons-on-image"> <a href='https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rallypoint.com%2Fanswers%2Fservice-members-effects-of-energy-drink-consumption-on-sleep%3Futm_source%3DFacebook%26utm_medium%3Dorganic%26utm_campaign%3DShare%20to%20facebook' target="_blank" class='social-share-button facebook-share-button'><i class="fa fa-facebook-f"></i></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Service+Members%3A+Effects+of+Energy+Drink+Consumption+on+Sleep&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rallypoint.com%2Fanswers%2Fservice-members-effects-of-energy-drink-consumption-on-sleep&amp;via=RallyPoint" target="_blank" class="social-share-button twitter-custom-share-button"><i class="fa fa-twitter"></i></a> <a href="mailto:?subject=Check this out on RallyPoint!&body=Hi, I thought you would find this interesting:%0D%0AService Members: Effects of Energy Drink Consumption on Sleep%0D%0A %0D%0AHere is the link: https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/service-members-effects-of-energy-drink-consumption-on-sleep" target="_blank" class="social-share-button email-share-button"><i class="fa fa-envelope"></i></a> </div> <a class="fancybox" rel="87aadb978d553b7e2eabc9a75cd0e0a1" href="https://d1ndsj6b8hkqu9.cloudfront.net/pictures/images/000/012/591/for_gallery_v2/Energy-Drink_Fourth_Round.jpg"><img src="https://d1ndsj6b8hkqu9.cloudfront.net/pictures/images/000/012/591/large_v3/Energy-Drink_Fourth_Round.jpg" alt="Energy drink fourth round" /></a></div></div>Many people rely on energy drinks to keep themselves going during the day, and service members in combat are no exception. The effects of these drinks, however, seem to be detrimental to both health and performance. Is there a better alternative to these energy drinks? Service Members: Effects of Energy Drink Consumption on Sleep 2014-11-05T15:14:35-05:00 2014-11-05T15:14:35-05:00 SSgt Private RallyPoint Member 312306 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>#icanteven Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 5 at 2014 3:22 PM 2014-11-05T15:22:24-05:00 2014-11-05T15:22:24-05:00 CW5 Sam R. Baker 312325 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I do not encourage anyone to utilize these things, drink H2O. The number of Soldiers drinking these on duty while deployed was astounding. The Chapel coffee shop ran out daily at 3.00 a pop. Some Soldiers drank 5-6 a day during a duty cycle. We had so many of the &quot;stones&quot; folks over there it was crazy. Additionally and not surprisingly enough, they have some type of addictive quality also. Folks can&#39;t seem to rip themselves away from them. Just an observant fellow I guess, they are not my cup off tea....well coffee! Response by CW5 Sam R. Baker made Nov 5 at 2014 3:29 PM 2014-11-05T15:29:33-05:00 2014-11-05T15:29:33-05:00 PV2 Private RallyPoint Member 312361 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div><a class="dark-link bold-link" role="profile-hover" data-qtip-container="body" data-id="79107" data-source-page-controller="question_response_contents" href="/profiles/79107-35l-counterintelligence-ci-agent">SFC Private RallyPoint Member</a> This reminds me of one of our conversations about lack of sleep and energy drinks vs. coffee! Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 5 at 2014 3:48 PM 2014-11-05T15:48:05-05:00 2014-11-05T15:48:05-05:00 SSG V. Michelle Woods 312367 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Yes there is a better alternative. It&#39;s called being a civilian. I know for me, I don&#39;t sleep well because I am subconsciously anticipating the next hit time, or I&#39;m on 24-hour guard, or I am expected to plow 40 acres without a mule (lol that&#39;s your reference <a class="dark-link bold-link" role="profile-hover" data-qtip-container="body" data-id="339587" data-source-page-controller="question_response_contents" href="/profiles/339587-46z-chief-public-affairs-nco">SGM Private RallyPoint Member</a>). <br /><br />The military life makes a healthy sleeping pattern nearly impossible. Response by SSG V. Michelle Woods made Nov 5 at 2014 3:49 PM 2014-11-05T15:49:43-05:00 2014-11-05T15:49:43-05:00 MSG Brad Sand 312382 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Wow, high levels of caffeine and sugar might be bad for your sleep? Who would have thought? Response by MSG Brad Sand made Nov 5 at 2014 3:55 PM 2014-11-05T15:55:39-05:00 2014-11-05T15:55:39-05:00 CPT Zachary Brooks 312434 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Drinking cold water and staying fit has always led me to sleep well. I can function strongly throughout a day on as little as four hours of sleep (eight is preferred) if I can continue to drink cold water and eat good energy boosting food (no sugars or quick carbs, but good fats and proteins).<br /><br />We need to teach our soldiers about nutrition.<br /><br />It wouldn't surprise me much if <a class="dark-link bold-link" role="profile-hover" data-qtip-container="body" data-id="78818" data-source-page-controller="question_response_contents" href="/profiles/78818-ssg-v-michelle-woods">SSG V. Michelle Woods</a> chugged these things, as hyper as she is. Response by CPT Zachary Brooks made Nov 5 at 2014 4:25 PM 2014-11-05T16:25:06-05:00 2014-11-05T16:25:06-05:00 LTJG Robert M. 312496 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>These were not available when I was in. Coffee was my stimulant of choice, when I left my last ship, I totaled it up and was averaging @40 cups a day!! Down to a 12 cup pot a day now. Response by LTJG Robert M. made Nov 5 at 2014 5:04 PM 2014-11-05T17:04:31-05:00 2014-11-05T17:04:31-05:00 SPC Anthony Rock 312521 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>As someone who used to down 3-4 Red Bulls in a day (and now I'm down to 1-2 Kickstarts... which are still not good for you but they have way less sugar, caffeine, and none of the energy drink stuff like vitamin B), I can tell you dehydration and weight gain are big factors. I lost 5 pounds in two weeks by replacing only one of the drinks with water. I'm now up to half a gallon of water on inactive days and a full on active ones, with the caffeine in the A.M. and around 2 for a little pick-me-up. Once in a great while (when I have a ton of homework) I'll get a Red Bull for a boost, but I've had about 3 of them in the last 6 months.<br /><br />As with everything, moderation is the key. Soldiers need the constant energy and find their performance increases with use of these things, but there are better ways to do this. Unfortunately, the Military does not always allow its service members the best diets, and a great diet is the single best way to maintain energy levels.<br /><br />It is what it is. Response by SPC Anthony Rock made Nov 5 at 2014 5:19 PM 2014-11-05T17:19:46-05:00 2014-11-05T17:19:46-05:00 SFC Mark Merino 312582 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Nothing puts me out faster than riding in the back of a M2/3 Bradley Fighting Vehicle. The alarm clock is &quot;Dismount Right!&quot; Response by SFC Mark Merino made Nov 5 at 2014 6:05 PM 2014-11-05T18:05:17-05:00 2014-11-05T18:05:17-05:00 LTC Private RallyPoint Member 312602 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>From my experience, part of the problem with energy drinks is that they are too easy to drink fast, especially for members of the military who are trained to down a canteen in a few minutes.  At least coffee is too hot to chug.  <br /><br />Ideally, we would rely on better fitness and sound diets.  However, the military has yet to crack the code on preaching wellness.  We&#39;re getting better, but we still have an APFT that doesn&#39;t measure fitness and dining facilities that serve hunks of cake but deny you a second serving of vegetables. Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 5 at 2014 6:15 PM 2014-11-05T18:15:35-05:00 2014-11-05T18:15:35-05:00 SSG Private RallyPoint Member 312640 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Coffee is my crutch, I go through around 5 cups a day. Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 5 at 2014 6:40 PM 2014-11-05T18:40:52-05:00 2014-11-05T18:40:52-05:00 SrA Private RallyPoint Member 312684 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>This is what I lived off of when I was in the Navy. You name it, I took it: Ripped Fuel, Diet Fuel, Hydroxycut, Zenadrine, No Doz and Red Bull...anything to help keep me going while working 22 hour days. I understand why many people rely on these energy drinks and supplements. BUT, with long duty days and dealing with undermanned areas and under qualified people, what can you do? I had to "Suck-it-up" and do my job, no complaints. <br /><br /><a class="dark-link bold-link" role="profile-hover" data-qtip-container="body" data-id="78818" data-source-page-controller="question_response_contents" href="/profiles/78818-ssg-v-michelle-woods">SSG V. Michelle Woods</a> is right - it is nearly impossible when living in uniform. Being a civilian, work hours are standard and you get to go home at the end of the day but when you're stationed at an operational base, you're expected to sacrifice sleep and work overtime. It's just how life on duty rolls. <br /><br />Even though I am a civilian, I still have a hard time sleeping today. Even though you have put that uniform away, the effects of life in uniform still resonate throughout your life no matter where you work. <br /><br />The only thing I can think of is to make the best of it where ever you are and in whatever you do. There is a light at the end of the tunnel and sooner or later, you will get there. Just take it day by day and get as much sleep as you can when you can. That's how I functioned. Just part of the enlisted life... Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 5 at 2014 7:18 PM 2014-11-05T19:18:17-05:00 2014-11-05T19:18:17-05:00 SGT Kristin Wiley 312715 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I am glad RallyPoint brought attention the impact sleep insufficiency has on a person. Yes, energy drinks can have adverse affects, and caffeine has addictive qualities. The most important statistic mentioned here is the 20% cognitive impairment. By drinking these energy drinks, and by not getting enough sleep (whether by choice or not) we are doing a disservice to our country. Would you want someone leading you who is impaired to the point they would get a DUI under different circumstances? <br /><br />The Wounded Warrior Project 2014 study, surveying over 21,000 wounded veterans found that the top reported health problem for post 9/11 service was sleep conditions (75.8 percent). A different study estimated that as many as 54% of military personnel serving since Sep 11, 2011 experience insomnia (30-40% in the civilian population – not chronic). “Sleep problems often coincide and contribute to other health problems for active duty soldiers and veterans, complicating their return from deployment and combat and elevating their risk for a number of serious physical and mental health problems, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression.” A 2010 study at Madigan Army Medical Center found that troops spent less than 6 hours a night sleeping, and approximately 85% of the participants in the study were found to have a clinical sleep disorder. This study concluded, “Many who deploy don’t return to predeployment sleep levels when they come back.” Are you aware that insomnia is aassociated with an increased risk of suicide independent of other factors? <br /><br />Are you also aware that Veterans serving in the Southwest Asia Theater of operations have been known to develop a medically unexplained illness identified as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)? Despite its name, CFS is not just unexplained, severe, and persistent fatigue, if anything it is similar to illnesses such as mono, Lyme disease, lupus, MS, etc. If you think this 20% cognitive decline is significant, look at the troops and veterans to your left and right because one of them probably has a sleep/fatigue disorder. If you research this further, you will realize that the military and medical communities are putting very little effort in identifying the cause of these problems, and providing effective treatment options. My question is why are we not doing more to prevent and treat these health conditions that appear to be plaguing our force? Response by SGT Kristin Wiley made Nov 5 at 2014 7:40 PM 2014-11-05T19:40:07-05:00 2014-11-05T19:40:07-05:00 SCPO Paul Jackson 312801 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Yeah, don't use them. Response by SCPO Paul Jackson made Nov 5 at 2014 8:31 PM 2014-11-05T20:31:48-05:00 2014-11-05T20:31:48-05:00 SFC Private RallyPoint Member 312984 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I started drinking them in Iraq in 2004 and have been ever since. I have tried coffee and tea and they don't do the trick for me. I will put them down sooner or later hopefully sooner. Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 5 at 2014 10:22 PM 2014-11-05T22:22:10-05:00 2014-11-05T22:22:10-05:00 SPC Private RallyPoint Member 313332 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>If you aren't getting heart palpitations throughout the day you are doing it wrong. Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 6 at 2014 5:50 AM 2014-11-06T05:50:15-05:00 2014-11-06T05:50:15-05:00 SSgt Private RallyPoint Member 313344 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I drink 2 a day generally, either Amped, Monster, or Full Throttle depending on the day. They've replaced sodas for me. I liken them to coffee though; I know some guys who carry a coffee mug everywhere with them on the flightline and go through a pot or two a day. So I don't feel too bad for my energy drinks! Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 6 at 2014 6:51 AM 2014-11-06T06:51:22-05:00 2014-11-06T06:51:22-05:00 LCpl Rick Ponton 313385 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>COFFEE DIET COKE AND WATER Response by LCpl Rick Ponton made Nov 6 at 2014 7:44 AM 2014-11-06T07:44:05-05:00 2014-11-06T07:44:05-05:00 CPT Aaron Kletzing 313403 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I had a guy in my unit during OIF who would drink a Monster energy drink and then still be able to fall asleep within 10-15 mins...like how I am with hot tea in the evening. That always made me worry -- I mean, seriously, what kind of shape is your body really in if you can drink a Monster and then fall asleep that quickly? This didn&#39;t just happen once or twice -- this was part of his regular routine, and he would do it most nights. I&#39;m saying this from a place of care and concern...not one of judgment. Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Nov 6 at 2014 8:04 AM 2014-11-06T08:04:44-05:00 2014-11-06T08:04:44-05:00 LTC Scott O'Neil 313466 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Energy Drinks are full of chemicals designed to keep you pumped and alert, yet like drugs the person using them tend to crash when the effects wear off. There was a study in the Army medical system, where the Army was looking to inject soldiers with such stimulants to keep them combat effective longer and before the crash inject them with a melatonin type substance to make them sleep. They found this type of un-natural stimuli can have harmful effects on the body. I would say that this is true soldiers taking these stimulants are burning (life’s) candle from both ends. If their leadership puts them in situations that they need this type of stimulant to remain or enhance combat effectiveness then their leadership is poor for not thinking first for the wellbeing of their soldiers. Good rest plans are a part of planning operations 101. When running 24 or 48 hour operations against an active or hostile energy leaders are responsible for getting their soldiers enough rest to maintain combat effectiveness, Leadership 101. Response by LTC Scott O'Neil made Nov 6 at 2014 9:03 AM 2014-11-06T09:03:05-05:00 2014-11-06T09:03:05-05:00 Maj Chris Nelson 313470 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I am on a Field Response Team...our job when deployed out for an incident is to set up in the "cold zone" and screen those that are suiting up to go into the "hot zone" (think chemical response in most cases). The Firefighters are the primary responders....those guys drink MASSIVE amounts of energy drinks like Monster etc..... They are overall, in pretty good shape....however, almost every single one of them STARTS with vital signs such as blood pressure and pulse that is borderline too high to suit up and go in.... the stress of the situation and the stress of wearing the gear they do only pushes their vitals even higher. From a medical perspective, it is much more difficult to determine if they are safe to go in, and even harder to determine if they are ok coming out because of the "false elevation" caused by these drinks. <br /><br />on a side note, I am not much better....I don't drink energy drinks, but I do drink either Mt. Dew or coffee....getting older, and exercise a bit less, resulting in boarderline hypertension for myself.... something I need to stay on top of and monitor for long term health. Response by Maj Chris Nelson made Nov 6 at 2014 9:04 AM 2014-11-06T09:04:59-05:00 2014-11-06T09:04:59-05:00 SSG Jason Cherry 313492 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Let me share my experience with these things. <br /><br />On my OIF 07-09 deployments I had worked up to having 24 BFC monster cans, per day. Outrageous? Yes. Stupid? Yes. Expensive? Yes.<br /><br />However, I was single at the time and I didn't care. I was a workaholic and involved in everything everywhere. I wouldn't be able to sleep at night, and I would have to drink more and more during the day to keep alert. It came to the point where I knew I had to stop or something drastic would occur.<br /><br />I asked for a day off, because I was burning out, which was granted. After staying up all night due to my insomnia from caffeine overload, I burnt out hard when it wore off. I knocked out for 27 straight hours, and then suffered from headaches for weeks while I weaned myself off the stuff. <br /><br />I no longer partake in energy drinks. They are addictive, unnecessary, and pretty much wreck your whole biorhythm. I don't tell people they can't have them, but I make it a point to warn my troops about the hazards of just downing them like water. It's unpleasant and bad for your body and mind. Response by SSG Jason Cherry made Nov 6 at 2014 9:27 AM 2014-11-06T09:27:21-05:00 2014-11-06T09:27:21-05:00 CPO Jon Campbell 313501 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Your body can take a lot of abuse when you are young, but after awhile bad choices catch up. Caffine can cause anger issues almost like cocaine psychosis, extreme headaches that people may think are migraines from withdrawals, and many other issues. Response by CPO Jon Campbell made Nov 6 at 2014 9:33 AM 2014-11-06T09:33:22-05:00 2014-11-06T09:33:22-05:00 Cpl Private RallyPoint Member 313503 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I used to drink monster energy drinks like some drink water. I worked nights and experienced a lot of stress due to the travel involved. I ended up in the hospital with pancreatitis. My doctor said that either I drank too much (alcohol) or I had some gall bladder issue. I rarely drank at the time and the hepatobiliary (HIDA) scan came up negative.<br /><br />I can&#39;t discount that the energy drinks may have had lead to the condition. My doctor just said stress. In my case, moderation should have been utilized, but I will never know if it was attributable. Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 6 at 2014 9:34 AM 2014-11-06T09:34:41-05:00 2014-11-06T09:34:41-05:00 SFC Private RallyPoint Member 313557 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>There are too many people that are relying on Energy Drinks, Pre-Workout, caffeine pills, etc. to keep them going through the day. Yes, I have A (1, singular) cup of coffee a day and I am fine. There are natural ways to wake the body up, but most people do not pay attention to those. Hell, the fructose in an apple will perk you up fairly well, but we don't do that. Not to mention it is not addictive, nor does it give you the "crash" that energy drinks will give you.<br /><br />I guess it isn't trendy enough. Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 6 at 2014 10:19 AM 2014-11-06T10:19:28-05:00 2014-11-06T10:19:28-05:00 SPC(P) Jay Heenan 313652 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>My former Regional Commander used to drink these all the time. He passed away during a APFT...right on the track. Of course, we don't know if that was specifically the cause, but it sure makes you think twice. Response by SPC(P) Jay Heenan made Nov 6 at 2014 11:37 AM 2014-11-06T11:37:05-05:00 2014-11-06T11:37:05-05:00 Cpl Gregory Hajder 313694 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>What happened to good ole fashion No-Doze and eating instant coffee? Response by Cpl Gregory Hajder made Nov 6 at 2014 12:01 PM 2014-11-06T12:01:52-05:00 2014-11-06T12:01:52-05:00 Cpl Matthew Wall 313798 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I could still fall asleep after drinking an drink, which is why I quit drinking them because they didn't work for me. Same goes for coffee, but I like coffee and continue to drink it, but it doesn't do anything for me. Response by Cpl Matthew Wall made Nov 6 at 2014 12:43 PM 2014-11-06T12:43:23-05:00 2014-11-06T12:43:23-05:00 PFC Private RallyPoint Member 313812 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Sleep? Who needs Sleep? Its a crutch! Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 6 at 2014 12:49 PM 2014-11-06T12:49:39-05:00 2014-11-06T12:49:39-05:00 Sgt Daniel V. 314474 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>To quote pretty much every Senior leader ever. "you can sleep when your dead" <br /><br />I do believe that every generation has had some sort of alternative to sleep. At times it was pretty bad but we have ingrained in our culture that this is what we do to win wars. We lose sleep, blood, sweat and tears at a great rate. The only way stop this trend is to get sleep. This is on leadership to make this fundamental change. I began to see it during my time and I hope that ideology of getting Soldiers to sleep unaided when mission permits will have not just a positive impact on the Mission but for the soldier long after they leave the ranks. Response by Sgt Daniel V. made Nov 6 at 2014 7:07 PM 2014-11-06T19:07:16-05:00 2014-11-06T19:07:16-05:00 CSM Charles Hayden 316253 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Sure is, try a hit of Copenhagen. Or if you are down range, Red Man or Mail Pouch will get you started.<br /><br />Doesn't work? Try to stop dipping or chewing after 30 days.<br /><br />SFC Krotzer gave me my first hit of COPE in 1955, the little red ants crawling around my mouth created quite a sensation.<br /><br />Many years later, after having sinus surgery, a friend re-introduced me to COPE. Many years after that, like last week I bought a can, took a hit, flushed the remainder down the toilet and rinsed the can. ADDICTING? Ha! Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Nov 7 at 2014 9:25 PM 2014-11-07T21:25:24-05:00 2014-11-07T21:25:24-05:00 CPT Private RallyPoint Member 316633 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>The OP&#39;s graphic made me laugh. It shouldn&#39;t be called &quot;energy drink consumption effects on service members,&quot; it should be called &quot;The effect of service on consumption of energy drinks.&quot;<br /><br />Maybe the people consuming 3+ energy drinks a day are doing so BECAUSE they have 20+ hours of work to do, and then are expected to do 20+ hours of work the next day.<br /><br />&lt;6 hours of sleep for 6 days or more? I haven&#39;t gotten more than 6 hours of sleep in weeks.<br /><br />Mission first. Caffeine always Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 8 at 2014 4:51 AM 2014-11-08T04:51:16-05:00 2014-11-08T04:51:16-05:00 CW2 Private RallyPoint Member 317282 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Not to mention that energy drinks are not good for your kidneys and urinary tract. I try to stay away from that stuff now as much as possible. No es bueno. Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 8 at 2014 4:45 PM 2014-11-08T16:45:01-05:00 2014-11-08T16:45:01-05:00 Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member 342584 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>The alternative is normal work schedules and consistent sleep-wake patterns...things that the military does not exactly excel at providing. Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 25 at 2014 10:47 PM 2014-11-25T22:47:31-05:00 2014-11-25T22:47:31-05:00 COL Private RallyPoint Member 348347 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>The best cure for the lack of sleep is to sleep more. Sleep has numerous health benefits that we don't take advantage of. The other thing we don't need is the increase in sugar or extreme levels of caffeine. Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 30 at 2014 1:52 PM 2014-11-30T13:52:45-05:00 2014-11-30T13:52:45-05:00 COL Private RallyPoint Member 352286 <div class="images-v2-count-2"><div class="content-picture image-v2-number-1" id="image-15257"> <div class="social_icons social-buttons-on-image"> <a href='https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rallypoint.com%2Fanswers%2Fservice-members-effects-of-energy-drink-consumption-on-sleep%3Futm_source%3DFacebook%26utm_medium%3Dorganic%26utm_campaign%3DShare%20to%20facebook' target="_blank" class='social-share-button facebook-share-button'><i class="fa fa-facebook-f"></i></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Service+Members%3A+Effects+of+Energy+Drink+Consumption+on+Sleep&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rallypoint.com%2Fanswers%2Fservice-members-effects-of-energy-drink-consumption-on-sleep&amp;via=RallyPoint" target="_blank" class="social-share-button twitter-custom-share-button"><i class="fa fa-twitter"></i></a> <a href="mailto:?subject=Check this out on RallyPoint!&body=Hi, I thought you would find this interesting:%0D%0AService Members: Effects of Energy Drink Consumption on Sleep%0D%0A %0D%0AHere is the link: https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/service-members-effects-of-energy-drink-consumption-on-sleep" target="_blank" class="social-share-button email-share-button"><i class="fa fa-envelope"></i></a> </div> <a class="fancybox" rel="adb263fa451a1465fd8b7e5ce2673f0d" href="https://d1ndsj6b8hkqu9.cloudfront.net/pictures/images/000/015/257/for_gallery_v2/energy_drink_2.jpg"><img src="https://d1ndsj6b8hkqu9.cloudfront.net/pictures/images/000/015/257/large_v3/energy_drink_2.jpg" alt="Energy drink 2" /></a></div><div class="content-picture image-v2-number-2" id="image-15258"><a class="fancybox" rel="adb263fa451a1465fd8b7e5ce2673f0d" href="https://d1ndsj6b8hkqu9.cloudfront.net/pictures/images/000/015/258/for_gallery_v2/Energy_Drink_1.jpg"><img src="https://d1ndsj6b8hkqu9.cloudfront.net/pictures/images/000/015/258/thumb_v2/Energy_Drink_1.jpg" alt="Energy drink 1" /></a></div></div>What we are going to have in this country is a rising diabetes problem. More sugar and caffeine is not the answer. <br /><br />A couple of easy to understand pictures below. Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 2 at 2014 9:41 PM 2014-12-02T21:41:09-05:00 2014-12-02T21:41:09-05:00 SFC Peter Cyprian 352517 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I call BS on this.....show me the studies. Response by SFC Peter Cyprian made Dec 3 at 2014 12:04 AM 2014-12-03T00:04:36-05:00 2014-12-03T00:04:36-05:00 COL Private RallyPoint Member 423726 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div><a target="_blank" href="http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/excessive-sleepiness-10/10-results-sleep-loss">http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/excessive-sleepiness-10/10-results-sleep-loss</a> <br /><br />Get more sleep and drink more water. You will live longer! <div class="pta-link-card answers-template-image type-default"> <div class="pta-link-card-picture"> <img src="https://d26horl2n8pviu.cloudfront.net/link_data_pictures/images/000/007/662/qrc/webmd-logo-fb.jpg?1443031371"> </div> <div class="pta-link-card-content"> <p class="pta-link-card-title"> <a target="blank" href="http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/excessive-sleepiness-10/10-results-sleep-loss">Sleep Loss: 10 Surprising Effects</a> </p> <p class="pta-link-card-description">You know lack of sleep can make you grumpy and foggy. You may not know what it can do to your sex life, memory, health, looks, and ability to lose weight. Here are 10 surprising -- and serious -- effects of sleep loss.</p> </div> <div class="clearfix"></div> </div> Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 18 at 2015 2:29 PM 2015-01-18T14:29:46-05:00 2015-01-18T14:29:46-05:00 1LT Private RallyPoint Member 442446 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I drink 1 a day. Still trying to kick the habit. A consistent sleep schedule is best for feeling refreshed in the morning. I know not everyone has the opportunity to. My civilian job has me on call Mon-Fri so I just decided to wake up everyday at 5am to 'get used to it'. Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 29 at 2015 6:41 AM 2015-01-29T06:41:49-05:00 2015-01-29T06:41:49-05:00 SPC(P) Jay Heenan 865960 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>My former Regional Commander (O-6), used to drink them like water. He was taking part in a APFT with his guys and died on the PT field. This happened while I was stationed in Hawaii. Response by SPC(P) Jay Heenan made Aug 4 at 2015 10:44 PM 2015-08-04T22:44:45-04:00 2015-08-04T22:44:45-04:00 Sgt William Biggs 866070 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I remember these things being passed out like candy. I agree that they are bad for long term health, but GD they were good for living in combat. People may argue against them, but they did their job. They did their job so well that many of us came back and are still drinking them, when we shouldn't. I have heard that DSM criteria might change to incorporate energy drinks. Probably a good idea. Response by Sgt William Biggs made Aug 5 at 2015 12:03 AM 2015-08-05T00:03:25-04:00 2015-08-05T00:03:25-04:00 SFC Nikhil Kumra 866350 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I think sleep is just one aspect - I'll be honest, and I would say that my belief would be VERY unpopular - but ESPECIALLY with service members, knowingly VERY unhealthy habits should absolutely be regulated to an extent - not to say one shouldn't be allowed to smoke, or drink or have energy drinks - but ... leadership should be on top of this a little more - cancer, diabetes, etc... If these essentially at one point become considered "service related" disabilities when someone retires, then we need to regulate the things that will cost a lot of taxpayer dollars for treatment. The military is a life style, and with that life style, and the life long healthcare benefits, it is no longer than holding someone accountable to drug testing for unemployment compensation or any other benefit.<br /><br />Not to say that the VA shouldn't treat these, but if someone is getting sick from something they're choosing to do, that is very different from someone getting sick from conditions during a deployment. One can be much better controlled than the other... Response by SFC Nikhil Kumra made Aug 5 at 2015 7:10 AM 2015-08-05T07:10:25-04:00 2015-08-05T07:10:25-04:00 SSgt Alex Robinson 866400 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>These drinks are dangerous if misused or over consumed. Moderation! Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Aug 5 at 2015 7:59 AM 2015-08-05T07:59:04-04:00 2015-08-05T07:59:04-04:00 1SG Private RallyPoint Member 867064 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Not a fan of energy drinks, but I get a craving every now and again. I don't see any problem with having some caffeine, but the sugars in a lot of drinks today should be addressed to your soldiers. The risks of drinking beverages that have lots of sugar needs to be drilled into your soldier's heads and educate them on alternatives that would be better for them. Water consumption is the best route for anyone who is active and exercises daily. The need to have a "Monster" or "Pop" every now and then if it be a zero calorie or even a regular, shouldn't be a problem. Soldiers are grown folk who pay taxes just like us leaders. We just have to keep educating and directing in a manner that it gets across to the troops. For the most part of soldiering, we as individuals have to figure things out for ourselves, we are not puppets on a string with the puppet master making all the moves. We put out the guidance, point and direct, sometimes we have to work beside them to to assist in getting task at hand figured out, and we have to correct them when they are not doing it right! No different with their health and overall welfare! I always enjoyed the quote below, it has always helped me as a leader!<br /><br />"Never tell people how to do things. Tell them what to do and they will surprise you with their ingenuity." Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 5 at 2015 12:21 PM 2015-08-05T12:21:30-04:00 2015-08-05T12:21:30-04:00 SSG Keven Lahde 868165 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Sleep?? What is that?? I read about it and heard about it. I heard it's good....lmao!! Response by SSG Keven Lahde made Aug 5 at 2015 7:18 PM 2015-08-05T19:18:07-04:00 2015-08-05T19:18:07-04:00 2014-11-05T15:14:35-05:00