Doctors Are Human Too: A Case for “Do As I Say, Not As I Brew” Why Even Healthcare Workers Should Rethink Their Caffeine Habits

At Orleans Family Health Clinic, we’ve built our reputation on Complete, Comprehensive, Caring, and Connected Care — but even we admit we’re not always the best role models when it comes to certain habits.

Case in point? Our caffeine intake.

A new U.K. survey by Pressat has confirmed what most of us in scrubs already suspected: Healthcare workers are among the biggest coffee drinkers in the workforce. The average? A whopping 3.6 cups per day — second only to journalists, who narrowly edged us out with 3.62 cups.

What the Survey Found

Between January and March 2025, Pressat surveyed over 20,000 professionals about their daily coffee habits. Here’s what they discovered:

  • Healthcare workers ranked #2 in average cups of coffee per day
  • Doctors, nurses, and frontline staff are driving the increase
  • Caffeine spending among healthcare workers averages $20.28 weekly
  • Other professions — including marketers, executives, and police officers — actually spend more on their coffee, despite drinking slightly less

Max Forrest from Pressat commented:
“Healthcare workers have climbed from fifth to second place, which comes as no surprise given the pressures on hospitals, ongoing NHS budget cuts, and the demands of shift work.”

Let’s Be Honest: Coffee Keeps Us Going

Long shifts. Late nights. High-stakes decision-making.
We get it — coffee is a lifeline for many in the medical profession.
But here’s the twist: while we rely on caffeine, we also counsel patients to moderate it. Why? Because too much caffeine can:

  • Disrupt sleep cycles
  • Increase heart rate and anxiety
  • Raise blood pressure
  • Trigger acid reflux and digestive issues

In other words, coffee is a comfort, but it’s not always kind to the body.

Moderation Is Still Medicine

At OFHC, we believe honesty is part of great healthcare. So while you may catch us with a latte in hand, we also know when it’s time to cut back — and we’ll help you do the same, without judgment.

Signs you might be overdoing the caffeine:

  • Trouble falling or staying asleep
  • Jitteriness, restlessness, or increased anxiety
  • Stomach upset or acid reflux
  • Headaches when you skip your usual dose
  • Needing more and more coffee to feel alert

Better Habits Without the Buzz

You don’t have to quit coffee cold turkey. Here’s what we suggest:

  • Limit intake to 2–3 cups/day
  • Cut off caffeine after 2 p.m.
  • Try herbal teas or decaf as a bridge
  • Get natural energy from walks, hydration, and balanced meals

And if you’re struggling with sleep, stress, or energy crashes, our team is here to help — not just with advice, but with real, personalized care that respects your routine.

At OFHC, we practice what we preach — most of the time.
And when we don’t, we’ll still give you the tools to be healthier than we are. 😉

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Disclaimer: The medical information on this site is provided as an information resource only and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information does not substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment. Please do not initiate, modify, or discontinue any treatment, medication, or supplement solely based on this information. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider first. Full Disclaimer.

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