Episode #38
Caffeine & Healthcare Workers: Coffee, Night Shift and the Drinks That Get Us Through
Send us Fan Mail Coffee. Cold brew. Diet Coke. Energy drinks. And, occasionally…water. How much caffeine does it actually take to get a healthcare worker through a 12-hour shift? For the first time ever, Banter at the Bedside is recording fully in person! Abby, Kaleigh, and Amanda are putting their caffeine habits on the table (literally) and taste-testing the drinks that get each of them through a typical shift. We’re talking coffee routines, night-shift survival, caffeine withdrawal, sleep, the dreaded 3 PM/3 AM slump, energy drinks, hospital coffee shops, and why grabbing a coffee has become about more than staying awake. In healthcare, caffeine can be an energy source, an emotional support beverage, a social activity, and sometimes part of our entire personality. We also dive into some of the research surrounding caffeine use, shift workers, sleep quality, and caffeine use disorder—and take a hard look at just how much caffeine is sitting in front of us by the end of the episode. So grab your coffee, cold brew, Diet Coke, energy drink (or your responsible bottle of water) and join us. What gets YOU through a shift? This podcast is for entertainment and educational purposes only and does not provide medical advice. Always discuss questions about caffeine consumption and your health with your own healthcare professional.
