How Much Caffeine is too Much? Dr. Howell Explains

Many of us drink it in the morning to give us that extra boost to get going. Even sleep specialists like Dr. Mike Howell, Department of Neurology, need their daily cup, or three. 

“I usually have a shot of espresso, and then about two or three cups of coffee later throughout the day,” Howell told WCCO in an interview.

But with so many of us consuming it, how much is too much caffeine?

According to Dr. Howell, you're safe consuming up to 400 milligrams a day, the equivalent to 10 cans of pop or two 16-ounce cups of coffee.

“It’s a substance that’s acting on our nervous system,” Howell said. “As you go about your day, your brain is building up a compound called adenosine. As adenosine builds up over the course of the day, you get sleepy. Caffeine blocks the effects of adenosine on your brain.”